Correspondent
IMPHAL, October 8
Mera Chaoren Houba, a festival for preserving and promoting unity and integrity amongst all the communities living in Manipur was celebrated in the state today.
Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh along with various leaders attended the Mera Houchongba festival which was held at Sanamahee temple at Haying Khongbal.
Chief Minister Ibobi said, ‘We should not forget culture and origin. It needs to be preserved.’
“One can follow any religion they want as we living in a nation which is a secular,” said Ibobi.The festival is held during the advent of Mera Tha, in the month of September-October and the festival through the ages has withstood the test of time and in recent years has become a rallyist point for the state unity and integrity.
The ACOAM Lup, a civil society organization in Manipur also celebrated the festival by holding a gathering at Thangmeiband athletics Union ground in Imphal.
In a message the state governor Dr KK Paul beseeched the people of Manipur to celebrate the festival in its true spirit, upholding the tradition of peaceful co-existence in Manipur’s pluralistic society. “The festival will usher in the bond of unity, integrity and understanding, deepening age old traditions resulting in peace and prosperity,” he added.
