IMPHAL, Nov 1: The Ningol Chakouba festival was celebrated today in Chadong Village, Kamjong District, organized by the Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur (IPFM) under the theme “Solidarity, Confluence, and Co-existence.” This year’s event marked a significant milestone as it was held for the first time in a hill district, bringing together nearly 200 intercultural married women from various indigenous communities.
Participants traveled around 35 kilometers from Imphal to Chadong, with buses departing from the historic Kangla Fort. The celebration is viewed as a catalyst for promoting peace and prosperity across the state.
IPFM President Ashang Kasar highlighted the historic significance of celebrating Ningol Chakouba 2024 in Chadong, emphasizing the need for such gatherings to be replicated annually throughout Manipur. “Ningol Chakouba has evolved into a festival of love and affection that transcends religious boundaries,” he stated.
Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, attending as the chief guest, praised the Ningol Chakouba festival as a unique tradition fostering fraternity among brothers and sisters. He emphasized the importance of reviving and honoring the ancient ties between the Tangkhul and Meitei communities, expressing hope that the event will become an annual celebration.
MLA Muivah also recalled the historical contributions of the Tangkhul people to the Meitei kingdom, mentioning significant constructions such as the large pond near the sacred Kangla shrine. The event was attended by prominent figures, including human rights activist Khuraijam Athouba and academicians Dr. Chance Raman and Dr. Arambam Noni, who contributed to the festive atmosphere.
The program featured cultural performances, including songs by local artists, and the presentation of gifts as tokens of love to the participating women, culminating in a grand feast.
Ningol Chakouba, traditionally celebrated by the Meitei community, continues to evolve, it serves as a testament to the importance of cultural unity and shared existence. The main festival is set to take place on November 3, when married women, adorned in traditional attire, gather for a collective feast and bestow blessings upon their brothers, symbolizing fraternal bonds and shared community values.
