IMPHAL, October 8: The age-old traditional festival of Mera Houchongba celebrated annually to keep alive the ties between hills and valley people was held today at the Haying Khongbal, 1st MR Complex. It was organised by the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board.
As a part of the celebration, Athenpots were offered to Lainingthou Sanamahi by various sections of people. `Ching-Tam Pot Lanaba`, the exchange of gifts to strengthen and keep alive the sense of brotherhood between the hills and plain, and various cultural programmes also featured in the celebration.
Addressing the function as the chief guest, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said everyone should not forget our origin and must keep trying to promote and preserve the indigenous art and culture of the State.
He further said that everyone has the wisdom to follow their own wishes and religion but it will be wrong to criticise someone`™s religion and create rifts between different religious communities.
Ibobi further said that everyone should not forget their origin and the people living in hills and plain are equal and the only difference is that they follow the religions of their own choice.
However, no one can break the sense of brotherhood which is present in the people of the hills and plain, he said, adding people from both hills and the valley have come to attend the celebration today displaying the unity among them.
Due to the passing of the Govindaji Temple Board (Third Amendment) Bill, various controversies have erupted but even if is implemented it is not compulsory to get the permission for every function from the board by religious bodies not under the Govindaji Temple Board, he said.
Owing to the passing of the Govindaji Temple Board Bill by the Manipur Legislative Assembly in the budget session, various conflicts have occurred. The State government considering the controversies urged the then Governor to refrain from giving his approval but he passed it under his hand and seal.
Stating that the Bill can be further amended and the governed doesn`™t want to create any further controversies, he said that every issue can be solved through dialogue and everyone should not be worried about the issue.
Meanwhile, in another celebration of the day, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said the Mera Houchongba festival not only symbolises the unity between the people in the hills and the valley who have been co-existing together since time immemorial but also exhibits the bonhomie and sense of brotherhood between them.
He was speaking at the observation of the day organised by the Kangla Religious Committee at Kangla.
The deputy CM further stated that there was love and unity among the people of the State during ancient times but nowadays people can`™t relate to one another.
However, the main reason why differences and misunderstanding between the communities have cropped up is because many are ignorant of the history of Manipur and the fact that people in both the hills and valley are brothers , he said, asserting people of the state should be prepared to move forward for a progressive society based on peace and unity.
He pointed out that Mukna Kangjei is a unique sport which has been a part of the folklores of Manipur filled with indigenous values that requires a lot of energy, skill, technique and discipline.
Mukna Kangjei is not found in other countries of the world and should be popularised to the whole world to showcase the uniqueness of this sport, he added.
He also appealed the people of the State that such festival is not a simple festival as it has lots of significance for peace and unity in the State and should be celebrated in a grander manner.
During the function, Mukna Kangjei was demonstrated for 20 minutes, gifts were exchanged between people and cultural programmes were also presented.
Keishamthong MLA Laishram Ibomcha Singh was the president whereas Saikot MLA TN Haokip attended the function as the guest of honour.
Meanwhile, the day was also observed at the Chingei Lampak Moirang organised by the Youths Development Organisation, Moirang and Konjengbam Leikai Nupi Lup, Moirang under the theme Integrity, COmmunal harmony and Peace.