IMPHAL, October 24: The Governor of Manipur, Dr KK Paul has conveyed his heartiest greetings on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba to the people of Manipur and especially to the married womenfolk of the State.
In his message to the people of the State, the Governor has stated that Ningol Chakouba is a unique festival of the Meitei community, observed every year on the second day of the New Moon of the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (October-November).
On the day of the festival, the married sisters are invited over by the brothers to a feast and given `dakshina`™ thereafter at their parental homes and these intimate and nostalgic moments strengthen the bond of love and affection between the brothers and sisters, it said.
The Governor further wished for the festival to be celebrated by all in its true form and spirit.
Meanwhile, the State Chief Minister has also conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival which falls on October 25.
The festival is one of the biggest festivals of the State which celebrates the unbreakable bond of love between brothers and sisters and which reinforces the care and affection of the parents for their daughters binding and reviving family relations.
Though the festival is originally observed by the Meitei community, the celebration now extends to other communities and tribes in Manipur thereby reinforcing unity amidst diversity in the State, he said.
The festival promotes the feeling of peaceful co-existence and harmonious social life by reaffirming faith in the traditional values of love and protection, it said.
Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh has also greeted the people on the occasion.
In his message, the Speaker has prayed for peace and harmony among the various communities in the State, it said.
The Chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly Dr Chaltonlien Amo has also greeted the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of the Ningol Chakkouba.
In his message, he wished for the festival to dispel hatred and mistrust among different communities of the State and bring peace, love, communal harmony and prosperity in the State.
The All Manipur Nupi Marup has also greeted the womenfolk of the State on the occasion.
Expressing concern over the competition for gifts during the festival, the AMNM has appealed to all against the practice and further wished for a corruption and crimes against women free society.
The Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council also greeted the people of the State.
A press released of the party signed by its assistant secretary has said that the party wishes for peace and end to crime against women in the State.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh has also wished the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba.
The party has prayed for peace, prosperity and tranquility in the State.
Major General Rajeev Chopra, IGAR (S) and all ranks of Assam Rifles extended warm greetings and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba, said PRO IGAR (s) statement.
The statement conveyed that the festival may herald an era of peace, progress and prosperity in the region and enhance the spirit of unity, cohesiveness and brotherhood amongst warm and friendly people of the State, it said.