Meitei community in Manipur celebrates Ningol Chakouba
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IMPHAL — The people of Manipur, especially those residing in the valley areas, on Thursday celebrated Ningol Chakouba, considered one of the grandest festivals of the state.
The festival is a special day for married women in Manipuri society. From early morning, married sisters and daughters visit their parental homes in their finest attire and with assorted goodies. In return, they get gifts from their parents and brothers. Grand feasts with multiple cuisines especially fish curry are hosted on the occasion.
Ningol Chakouba is celebrated on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyanggei (October-November) to renew and strengthen familial bonds.
As most families celebrated the festival, roads leading to the state capital wore a deserted look during the day.
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However, there were reports of traffic jam at many strategic locations such as Lamlong, Keishampat, Kwakeithel, Singjamei, Sagolband-Tera etc in and around Imphal in the afternoon till dark as the married women returned to their homes after celebrating Ningol Chakkouba.
Manipur Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, state Assembly Speaker, Th Satyabrata Singh, MLAs and different organisations have conveyed greetings to the people of Manipur on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba festival.
In his message, Bhalla stated that Ningol Chakkouba is a cherished festival that celebrates the sacred bonds between married women and their paternal families, reaffirming love, respect and unity on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei.
The Assembly Speaker, Th Satyabrata, has wished the festival of family reunion to strengthen not only family ties but also compassion and understanding across society.
Different organisations such as All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation, Federation of Civil Society, student bodies and others have also conveyed their greetings.
For generations, Manipur has been celebrating the unique festival called Ningol Chakkouba every November where married sisters and daughters are invited to their parental house for a sumptuous lunch to renew and strengthen family bonds.
In a welcoming move, NGOs have started inviting women of other communities in general and tribals in particular to well-organised mass lunches. Besides, some churches and tribal groups have started hosting lunches for the women of all communities, who are married to valley dwellers.
Manipuris settling across the country and abroad also celebrated the festival in their capacities.