Mera Hou Chongba: Manipur celebrates festival of oneness

Imphal (Manipur) [India], Oct 12 (ANI): Manipur, known for its rich culture and harmonious co-existence of various ethnic groups, recently celebrated the festival of 'Mera Hou Chongba' at Manipur Royal Palace (Sana Konung) in Imphal at a large scale.

The festival, organised by the Mera Hou Chongba Thoushil Lup, is an age-old festival that marks oneness to the growth of nationalism in the state.

While talking to ANI, Rongmei Chandra Haomei, co-convenor of Mera Hou Chongba Thoushil Lup, said, "It's a very auspicious day for all for us. We have been celebrating this festival since time immemorial to renew the feeling of brotherhood and unity between the people of the hills and valley. To mark the celebration, traditional fabrics, vegetables and fruits from both hill and valley have brought here together and exchange each other as a symbol of oneness."

Dressed in colourful and unique traditional attires, the festival brings people of the hills and valleys together.

"Personally, I really appreciate our Chief Minister N Biren Singh for promoting love and unity amongst the hills and valleys. It is a good thing that government is spearheading in bringing the people together under one platform like this festival and share love. We are equal and we should always co-exist peacefully till the end", Newman, a resident told ANI.

'Mera Hou Chongba' has been celebrated in Manipur since the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, the God King of Manipur, in the first century AD. (ANI)