The Kangla, a major attraction of Manipur which lies in the heart of Imphal and houses the Kangla Fort, the king’s palace and several other ancient structures, is currently closed to the public due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the Kangla Board, Imphal said in a notification on Sunday.
The Kangla Board said people who want to enter the Kangla need to take prior permission from the board only for religious and ritualistic purposes under the condition that strict COVID-19 SOP be maintained.
The permission should be taken from the authority of the Kangla Board at least seven days in advance, it added.
On Saturday, the cultural festival of the Manipuris, ‘Mera Hou Chongba’ or ‘Mera wayungba’ was held and titular king and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba performed the ritual activity of 'Waa yungba', lighting of the lamp on a bamboo pole, inside Kangla.
The Kangla Fort is the ancient capital of the Manipur kingdom. The Shree Govindaji Temple is situated inside the Kangla. The temple was destroyed during the great earthquake of 1868, according to history, and was rebuilt by the then ruler of Manipur, king Chandrakriti.
