After the state stood still for over a year from any sort of celebration due to the ongoing unrest, Ningol Chakkouba, an annual festival where married sisters are invited by their brothers for a grand family feast and reunion, was celebrated in the state on Sunday.
The celebration was not held last year due to the crisis that erupted in the state on May 3, 2023. The festival is held every year on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei of the Meitei calendar.
Once largely observed by the Meitei, the festival has, in recent years, become a celebration for multiple communities, showcasing unity and cultural harmony.
For those whose homes had been destroyed and were displaced and staying in relief camps, many local organisations and volunteers invited married women, hoping to celebrate the festival. Several internally displaced women from Meitei community were seen travelling in special vehicles provided by local organisations and volunteers to celebrate collectively.
This year, the festival reached beyond Manipur to areas across the northeastern states and other parts of India where Manipuri communities reside, marking a joyous celebration that was missed last year due to ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Ningol Chakkouba at Kwatha: The District Administration, Tengnoupal organised the auspicious Ningol Chakkouba for the Ningols of Kwatha and KwathaKhunou at Kwatha Community Hall on Sunday.
The event was attended by SDO Moreh Ejaj Hassan, JrBDO Tengnoupal Moshel Yunglama and SDC Moreh Sukur Ali on behalf of District Administration as host. The CO of 3rd Assam Rifles Shisir Pandey also attended the event.
Speaking at the event, Col Shishir wished the people of Kwatha a very happy Ningol Chakouba and said that the Assam Rifles will take care of the Kwatha with full rigour and commitment. Addressing the people and particularly the ningols of Kwatha, SDO Moreh Ejaj Hassan, greeted the people of Kwatha with all good tidings and blessings of the Almighty for a better future on the occasion of Ningol Chakouba.
He further stated that the District Administration will leave no stone unturned for the care of the people of Kwatha. He congratulated the womenfolk of Kwatha for their energy and patience in the face of many challenges faced in the present conflict.
Later, the officials presented gifts to the ningols of Kwatha. The event ended with a lunch programme together with the people of Kwatha.
