Manipur's 'Mera Kwak Tanba' festival observed with traditional ritual, cultural performances

The Meetei community's annual festival, "Mera Kwak Tanba" or the Crow Freeing Festival, was celebrated today in Manipur. This age-old ritual, observed on the 10th lunar day of the Mera Month in the Meitei calendar, is believed to bring prosperity to the region.

Leading the ritual was Manipur's titular king and Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba. The festival began with a traditional procession, led by MP Sanajaoba, and included key figures such as Angom Ningthou, Ningthou Pongba Tara, and other representatives from cultural institutions like Amaiba Loisang, Pena Loisang, and Thang-Ta Loisang.

The procession started from the Royal Palace, Sana Konung, and made its way to the WAL United Youth's Club in Imphal East, where the main ceremony took place.

During the event, cultural dances were performed, adding to the festive atmosphere. As per tradition, the highlight of the ritual was the freeing of a crow, followed by a prediction from "Lalon Hanjaba", high-ranking priests, who forecasted the future based on the bird's flight direction. 

This centuries-old festival continues to hold cultural significance for the Meetei community.