Ningol Chakouba celebrated across Manipur as married women and daughters visit their parental homes to mark the festival.
IMPHAL — Married women and daughters across Manipur visited their parental homes on Wednesday to celebrate Ningol Chakouba, one of the state’s major festivals, which celebrates and strengthens familial bonds.
While roads leading to the state capital wore a deserted look during the day as families gathered to celebrate the festival, traffic congestion was reported at several strategic locations in and around Imphal from the afternoon till evening as women returned home after celebrating with their maternal families.
Ningol Chakouba is celebrated on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyanggei (October-November).
On the occasion, married sisters and daughters visit their parental homes in traditional attire, often carrying assorted gifts. Parents and brothers, in turn, welcome them with gifts and grand feasts, with fish curry being among the traditional dishes served.
As part of the annual observance, the state Fisheries Department organised a fish fair-cum-fish crop competition in Imphal on the eve of the festival to make quality fish available at affordable rates.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh, Deputy Chief Ministers Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen, MLAs and various organisations conveyed greetings to the people on the occasion.
In his message, Governor Bhalla described Ningol Chakouba as a unique and cherished festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters and reinforces family ties, love, respect and affection. He also said the festival highlighted the role of women in nurturing families and preserving cultural traditions.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said the festival, beyond its traditional significance, reflected love, respect and affection for women and reinforced the importance of family ties and social harmony.
The report also noted that some churches and tribal groups had begun organising feasts for women from different communities married to men from the valley. Manipuris, particularly Meiteis living in other parts of the country and abroad, also celebrated the festival.