Manipur celebrates historic Ningol Chakouba Festival in Chadong village

The Ningol Chakouba festival was held today at Chadong Village, organized by the Indigenous People's Forum Manipur (IPFM) under the theme “Solidarity, Confluence and Co-existence.” This year's event marked a significant milestone as it was celebrated for the first time in a hill district, bringing together nearly 200 inter-cultural married women from various indigenous communities.

Participants traveled approximately 35 kilometers from Imphal to Chadong Village, with buses filled with attendees setting off from the historic Kangla Fort. The warm hospitality extended by the villagers and organizers left many women expressing heartfelt gratitude and hopes for strengthened bonds among the diverse ethnic communities in the region. The celebration of Ningol Chakouba is seen as a catalyst for promoting peace and prosperity across the state.

The program featured cultural performances, including songs by local artists, as well as the presentation of gifts as tokens of love to the participating women, culminating in a grand feast. IPFM President Ashang Kasar remarked on the historic significance of celebrating Ningol Chakouba 2024 in Chadong Village, emphasizing the need for such gatherings to be replicated annually throughout Manipur. “Ningol Chakouba has evolved into a festival of love and affection that transcends religious boundaries. Its spirit should be a shared cultural resource, reminding us of our collective identity,” Kasar stated.

He further advocated for the rejuvenation of indigenous traditional festivals and rituals that symbolize interdependence and foster inclusivity, love, and trust among communities. “These celebrations are vital for nurturing a sense of belonging and community,” he added.

The event was graced by notable figures, including MLA Ram Muivah, human rights activist Khuraijam Athouba and academicians Dr. Chance Raman and Dr. Arambam Noni. The gathering also saw the participation of numerous artists, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

Ningol Chakouba, traditionally celebrated by the Meitei community, has been observed for generations on the second day of Hiyangei, the Meitei lunar calendar. This year, the main festival is set to take place on November 3, when married women, adorned in beautiful traditional attire, gather for a collective feast and bestow blessings upon their brothers, symbolizing fraternal bonds, tolerance, and shared existence.