Heikru Hidongba celebrated in Manipur with age-old rituals and traditional boat race

The traditional Heikru Hidongba socio-religious ceremony was observed at the moat of Sagolband Bijoy Govinda in Imphal on September 22, drawing large crowds for a celebration centred on age-old rituals, cultural practices and a traditional boat race.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accompanied by his wife Jyoti Bhalla, attended the ceremony organised by the Bijoygovind Sevayet Committee.

Observed annually on the 11th day of the Meitei lunar month of Langban Tha, Heikru Hidongba combines religious rituals, traditional customs and beliefs associated with community well-being.

Large numbers of people from different parts of Manipur gathered at the venue to offer prayers and witness the traditional boat race, which remains one of the main highlights of the ceremony.

Bijoygovind Sevayet Committee member RK Rakeshwor said Heikru Hidongba is among the socio-religious ceremonies traditionally observed to pray for peace and prosperity in the community.

According to Rakeshwor, the tradition dates back to the reign of Maharaja Irengba in 984 AD and represents an effort to preserve and revive the folklore, customs and cultural practices of earlier generations.

The traditional boat race formed the centrepiece of the ceremony, with two boats competing on the moat after undergoing customary rituals. The boats are ceremonially sanctified in the presence of Shri Shri Rasheswori Govindajee and Shri Shri Bijoygovind, accompanied by devotional singing and traditional observances.

As part of the rituals, garlands made of 108 heikru, or Indian gooseberries, and 108 hand-husked rice grains are offered to Shri Shri Bijoygovind before the race.

Sagolband MLA RK Imo extended his greetings on the occasion and expressed hope that the festival would usher in peace, prosperity and normalcy in Manipur.

Heikru Hidongba continues to serve as an important cultural occasion in Manipur, bringing together religious observances, traditional boat racing and practices associated with the preservation of the state's cultural heritage.