Manipur celebrates festival of oneness, Mera Hou Chongba

Manipur is observing the Mera Hou Chongba festival today, a celebration that symbolizes the unity between hill and valley communities in the state. The event is being held at Kangla, with participation from several indigenous communities across Manipur.

Known for its rich ethnic diversity, Manipur uses this festival to reinforce the message of “unity in diversity.” Indigenous communities from the hill districts arrive in Imphal a day in advance to attend the celebrations.

Held on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei calendar, Mera Hou Chongba combines traditional rituals with the state’s vibrant cultural heritage. This year, the festival began at 8 am with a colorful procession from Sana Konung, the royal palace, to Kangla, led by King Leishemba Sanajaoba, who also serves as a Rajya Sabha MP. The procession was joined by all indigenous communities, reinforcing centuries-old bonds of fraternity and oneness.

Traditional and religious rituals such as Mera Thaomei Thanba and Mera Yenkhong Tamba were performed at Kangla, followed by the exchange of gifts between hill and valley communities in the afternoon. Cultural programs will continue into the evening. A total of 135 chiefs from different indigenous communities and 15 cultural teams are participating in this year’s festival.

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King Leishemba Sanajaoba highlighted the unique nature of Mera Hou Chongba, noting that it is the only festival in Manipur where all indigenous communities come together to participate. “Every community has its own festival, but Mera Hou Chongba is the common traditional festival of the indigenous people, celebrated since 33 AD during the reign of Nongdalairem Pakhangba,” he said. He added that the festival fosters love, unity, and harmony among all communities.

Participants expressed joy at being part of the celebration. Rachubui Pame from Tamenglong district said, “We are fortunate to be in Imphal and take part in Mera Hou Chongba, coming all the way from Tamenglong. Through this festival, the sense of oneness and brotherhood among communities grows stronger.”

Since 2017, the state government has played a key role in organizing Mera Hou Chongba as an official state function, highlighting its significance in promoting peace and communal harmony.