Manipur CM says Mera Hou Chongba can be celebrated as ‘day of integrity’

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on October 26 said that Mera Hou Chongba, the traditional festival symbolising the bond between hill and valley communities, could be celebrated as a “day of integrity”.

He made the statement while attending the afternoon session of the Mera Hou Chongba 2026 celebration, organised by the State Level Committee on Mera Hou Chongba at Kangla Fort, Imphal.

Highlighting the festival’s significance, the Chief Minister said it represented the timeless relationship between the hill and valley communities of Manipur. He noted that the tradition had continued since the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba and called for all communities to live together with a shared sense of unity.

Recalling the contributions of Manipur’s 36 communities during difficult periods in history, Singh said they had jointly resisted British rule and Burmese invasions, making sacrifices to protect the state. He emphasised the importance of preserving this spirit of togetherness.

Vokendro Haobijam, Head of the Department of Anthropology at Manipur University, also attended the festival and expressed happiness at witnessing the cultural event at Kangla Fort. He said the festival carried particular significance amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur and expressed hope that solidarity, fraternity and unity among the state’s indigenous communities would grow stronger.

Adani Lidziisa, a participant from the Mao community and headmistress of Mao Hindi Upper Primary School, said she felt glad to witness an event symbolising unity between the hill and valley. She had travelled from Mao in Senapati district to Imphal two days earlier to attend the festival for the first time. She appreciated the organisers and expressed hope that the event would continue to be organised on a larger scale.

Mera Hou Chongba is observed on the 15th lunar day of Mera in the Meitei calendar. The festival celebrates brotherhood and cultural ties among Manipur’s indigenous communities living in the hill and valley regions.

The day’s programme began with rituals and ceremonies for peace and prosperity in the state. A procession led by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba travelled from the Royal Palace to Kangla Fort, where traditional rituals, including Mera Men Tongba, Mera Yenkhong Tamba and Mera Thaomei Thanba—the lighting of a lamp on a bamboo pole—were performed.

The afternoon programme featured the exchange of gifts between representatives of hill and valley communities, traditional dance performances and the release of a souvenir, highlighting the festival’s message of fraternity and unity.