Displaced women celebrate Ningol Chakkouba in Manipur

IMPHAL — Ningol Chakkouba festival turned deeply emotional as internally displaced married women joined one of Manipur's most cherished festivals, honouring family bonds, far from their homes in the last two days even though the actual day of festival falls on October 23.

Ningol Chakkouba, the premier festival of the state, is celebrated on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyanggei (October-November) to renew and strengthen familial bonds, which is a special day for married women in Manipuri society.

For generations, Manipur has been celebrating Ningol Chakkouba every November when married sisters and daughters are invited to their parental house for a sumptuous lunch to renew and strengthen family bonds.

The former chief minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh, on Saturday attended one such Ningol Chakkouba celebrations jointly organised by Uripok Apunba Lup and Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup for internally displaced married women presently taking shelter at the relief camps in Lamboikhongnangkhong and Langol Leima Khullen at Langol area at outskirts of Imphal.

Sharing some photographs of the Ningol Chakkouba celebration on X, Biren Singh wrote: “Attended the celebration of Ningol Chakkouba with our beloved Ningols of the relief camps of Lamboikhongnangkhong and Langol Leima Khullen. “Today’s event was deeply moving, despite the hardships and challenges faced by many of our brothers and sisters, the spirit of togetherness and resilience shone brightly. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers, for their sincere efforts in hosting this meaningful gathering.”

The day’s celebration was held in a warm and emotional atmosphere, bringing festive joy and a sense of togetherness to the displaced families who have been enduring hardships due to the ongoing unrest. The event was aimed at upholding the traditional Meitei bond of love and respect between brothers and sisters, ensuring that even in times of displacement the spirit of Ningol Chakkouba remains alive, according to the organisers.

Community members, volunteers and well-wishers contributed gifts, meals and greetings to the Ningols (married/ unmarried women), reaffirming solidarity and compassion with those staying in the relief camps.

On Friday, Ningol Chakkouba celebration was organided for internally displaced married women from Moreh, a border town at Thoubal Leishangthem Kallimakhong community hall in Thoubal district, wherein Ningols were honoured with gifts, upholding the cherished tradition of Ningol Chakkouba.

The Jiribam district administration had also organised Ningol Chakkouba feast for displaced women residing in various relief camps in the district on Friday, while the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union also hosted a Ningol Chakkouba celebration for women journalists at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal.