IMPHAL — Ningol Chakkouba, the biggest festival of Manipur which falls on November 15, was not celebrated this year unlike previous years owing to the unending ethnic conflict gripping the state.
Instead of celebrating the festival, many women in different parts of the valley districts staged sit-in protest demanding for an immediate solution to the existing crisis. They also showed solidarity with the departed souls and the displaced women in the ongoing conflict.
On this auspicious occasion during better years, married women (daughters) visit their parental house wearing their finest and bring fruits and sweets for the family. In return, their parents and brothers give them blessings and gifts following the traditional grand feast.
Ningol Chakkouba (Ningol meaning married daughters and Chakkouba invite for the grand feast) is a special day which strengthens the relationship between married daughters and their parental families.
The ethnic conflict that erupted on May 3 has claimed the lives of more than 175 people and left approximately 50,000 homeless, who are currently taking shelter in relief camps.
Manipur Governor, Anusuiya Uikey, and Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, have separately sent out messages to the people especially women folk on the occasion of the festival.
“Ningol Chakkouba rejuvenates family ties and strengthens the bonds of love and affection between brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters and fathers and daughters, helping in promotion of unity and integrity in the society,” says Anusuiya Uikey in her message.
“Let us hope that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit with the involvement of different communities in the State to bring peace, prosperity and peaceful coexistence amongst all,” she added.
Meanwhile, Biren Singh said, “Our state is blessed with god-gifted natural beauty. It is a melting pot of multiple communities who today reside together.”
He, however, stated that the past few months have been tumultuous for all with a few vested interested groups attempting to destroy the fabric of social cohesion of the communities.
“Let Ningol Chakkouba motivate us to strive for togetherness. On this auspicious occasion, let us also reaffirm to rekindle the flame of unity and oneness amongst the different communities and to live as one,” Biren said.
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