A three-day ‘Black Day’ observation was held in remembrance of ‘Puya Mei Thaba’ (The Burning of Puyas) at the Eternal Spring English School located at Sekta, Imphal East district on Friday.
The programme was organised by the International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP). The observance is held on the 23rd of Wakching (Manipuri lunar calendar) every year.
On the occasion, secretary of Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), Ch Biren said the time has come to restore the loss of ancient Puya books (Archaic Meitei Language manuscript) instead of regretting and mourning on the burning of the Puyas.
The black day observation was started by hoisting the Seven Salai flag (Meitei indigenous flag). He said the identity of the ancient Meitei society can be protected with the revival of the Puyas.
Eternal Spring English School Principal L Raghumani said that the rich information provided in the Puyas can be included in the school syllabus so that students can be aware of the ancient history and traditions of Manipur.
Students of the school wore black badges, supporting the observation during the function. They also distributed black badges to over 30 schools.