If you are planning to visit Manipur, do keep in mind the dates of the state’s enthralling cultural fests.Here are a few of the popular upcoming festivals of this tiny yet captivating Indian state.
Kang and Kang Chingba (June-July)
Kang and Kang resembles the Cart festival of Puri. Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, this religious carnival depicts the state’s cultural as well as spiritual magnificence. A humming procession passes through the streets of Imphal, the capital of Manipur, wherein three idols of local deities are drawn by decorated carts. People offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to the deities. Both men and women sing songs, and perform local dance. The procession passes through the entire city, and there is no religious restriction for joining in.
Heikru Hidongba (September)
The festivity of Heikru Hidongba is striking. Its existence has been observed since 984 and 1074 A.D, making it one of the oldest cultural festivals in India.The main highlight of Heikru Hidongba is a boat race that takes place in a moat in Thangapat, Imphal between two local communities. Before the race commences, several socio-religious ceremonies and prayers are performed to bring peace and prosperity to the region.
Laiharaoba Festival (November)
Every year on 1st November, tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups celebrate the gathering of the season’s harvested crop. Offering a chance to get acquainted with interesting Manipuri traditions and to relish exotic tribal delicacies, this annual fest allures tourists from far and wide.The tribes show their gratitude for the local deities by singing traditional folk songs, accompanied by dance and other merrymaking activities. It’s a unique experience to watch them sing and dance to the tune of traditional folk instruments.
Manipur festival by rajkumar1220/ CC BY
