Manipur celebrated Ningol Chakkouba with participation from tribal communities, IDPs and different organisations, as gatherings across the state promoted cultural ties and social harmony.
Imphal, Nov. 12: Manipur celebrated Ningol Chakkouba on Wednesday with traditional family gatherings and community programmes, with participation from women belonging to different ethnic communities, including tribal women and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This year's celebrations also saw several organisations and security forces organise special gatherings aimed at encouraging interaction and strengthening social ties among communities.
Traditionally observed on the second day of the Manipuri lunar month of Hiyangei, Ningol Chakkouba is an important festival centred on the relationship between married women and their parental families. Married daughters return to their maternal homes, often accompanied by their children, where brothers and other family members welcome them with traditional meals and gifts.
While family reunions and traditional feasts remained central to the celebrations, events organised across different parts of the state extended the occasion beyond its customary family setting.
The All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) organised its annual programme, titled Eikhoigi Eche-Echalsingbu Ningshingba Numit, at Khonghampat Awang Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West on November 11. The programme brought together representatives from different social, cultural and community organisations, with a focus on recognising the contributions of women and promoting mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
According to reports, AMESCO has been organising the programme since 1993. This year's gathering included Manipur University of Culture Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kananbala Sarangthem, AMESCO president-in-charge Ibotombi Loitongbam, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Ema Soraisam Memcha, social scientist Dr. Dhanabir Laishram and representatives of other organisations.
AMESCO's programme sought to carry the festival's message beyond community and cultural boundaries, stressing the importance of mutual understanding and collective responsibility among the people of Manipur.
Tribal women and displaced families join celebrations
Inter-community programmes were also organised at Khonghampat, Kakching, Pallel, Kakching Khunou and Bishnupur by AMESCO in collaboration with the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur state forces.
The gatherings brought together women from Naga and other tribal communities, security personnel and residents of relief camps housing internally displaced families. Participants shared meals and exchanged gifts, using the festival as an opportunity for interaction across community backgrounds.
At Khonghampat, the celebrations formed part of efforts to preserve the cultural tradition while encouraging relationships among people from different communities. Similar programmes in other locations provided opportunities for women from different backgrounds to participate in the occasion.
In another programme, Shiksha Vikash Samiti Manipur organised a Ningol Chakkouba gathering at Bal Vidya Mandir in the Palace Compound, Imphal. Women belonging to different tribal communities, including those staying in hostels in the state capital, were invited to participate. The gathering included a shared meal followed by the distribution of gifts.
The programme was organised with the stated objective of strengthening relationships among people from different communities and contributing to peace and social harmony.
Thangmeiband MLA Khumukcham Joykishan Singh also hosted a large Ningol Chakkouba gathering at his residence for internally displaced people, members of tribal communities and other Hindu communities from his constituency.
Assam Rifles organises celebrations in Bishnupur
The Assam Rifles also organised a special Ningol Chakkouba programme at Nambol on November 10, bringing together 48 women and two children from Oinam, Maibam Chingming and Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district.
The programme featured musical chair competitions, traditional Manipuri folk dances, local food and an exchange of sweets. According to the Assam Rifles' account of the event, participating women appreciated the initiative for providing an opportunity to interact and build closer relationships.
The celebrations formed part of the force's community outreach activities aimed at promoting peace, harmony and cultural preservation.
Festival observed amid continuing displacement
The celebrations also brought attention to families who remain displaced by the ethnic violence that began in May 2023. For many women living in relief camps, the occasion continued to carry the emotional significance of returning to their parental homes and reuniting with family members.
At the Urup Higher Secondary School relief camp in Keirao constituency, displaced women expressed their wish to celebrate the festival in their native villages and reunite with their families. Some residents said returning home would be the most meaningful gift they could receive on Ningol Chakkouba.
Meanwhile, Arambai Tenggol Unit-29 organised a celebration at Kyamgei on November 8 for displaced women who were unable to visit their parental homes.
The festival was also observed by Manipuris living outside the state, including members of the community in Mumbai, who organised gatherings to maintain their cultural traditions away from home.
A tradition extending beyond family relationships
Ningol Chakkouba traditionally celebrates the bond between married daughters and their parental families. On the occasion, brothers invite their married sisters to their homes for a special meal, followed by the exchange of gifts and blessings.
Over the years, the festival has also provided opportunities for people from different backgrounds to participate in a shared cultural occasion. This year's programmes organised by social organisations, educational institutions and security forces reflected efforts to extend its message of affection and togetherness beyond traditional family gatherings.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also extended greetings to the people on the occasion, conveying wishes for stronger family relationships, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
With participation from different communities, this year's celebrations brought the broader social significance of Ningol Chakkouba into focus, alongside its longstanding family traditions.
