IMPHAL, March 21(NNN): The outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party-Poirei Meitei (KCP-PM) group on Monday reaffirmed its stand over allowing only five days for Thabal Chongba associated with the festival of Yaoshang (Holi).
A statement issued by party’s publicity secretary Malemnganba Meitei informed that KCP-PM will not change its earlier decision regarding fixing the number of days for Thabal Chongba to five days during the Yaoshang held for five days every year by the Meiteies.
Thabal Chongba is performed in every locality on all the five days of Yaoshang, the biggest festival of the Meiteies. It is said that parents did not allow their daughters to go out and meet young men without their consent traditionally and that Thabal Chongba (dancing in the moonlight) was the only means for young girls to meet and talk to boys.
But the Thabal Chongba underwent many changes over the years that it is often continued beyond the five days in many areas.
The outfit warned of awarding strict punishment to those who defy the diktat and try to dilute the culture of Kangliepak (Manipur).
It said any request made on organising Thabal Chongba beyond the five days will not be entertained at any cost and appealed to all to adhere to the decision already announced.
But the outfit said there will be no such restrictions on organisation of Thabal Chongba during the Yaoshang to be celebrated from March 23-27.