Manipur Celebrates State-Level Mera Houchongba Festival 2025 with Grandeur at Kangla

The State-Level Mera Houchongba Festival 2025 was celebrated today with grandeur and traditional fervour at the historic Kangla, symbolising the age-old bond of unity and brotherhood between the hills and the valley of Manipur.

The auspicious occasion was graced by Meidingoo Leishemba Sanajaoba, His Majesty, the King of Manipur and Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), as the chief guest. Several village chiefs representing various indigenous tribes from across the state also attended, making it a truly inclusive celebration.

Mera Houchongba, also known as Mera Waayungba or Mera Thaomei Thaanba, is one of the oldest and most significant traditional festivals of Manipur. Celebrated by all indigenous ethnic communities, including the Meitei and tribes such as Tangkhul, Kabui, Anal, Aimol, Chiru, Chothe, Kharam, Koireng, Kom and others, the festival—observed on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei calendar—stands as a symbol of solidarity, cultural unity, and peaceful coexistence among the people of Manipur.

The morning cultural parade began from Sana Konung to Kangla Uttra Sanglen, led by Eningthou Meidingoo Leishemba Sanajaoba, followed by the Men Tongba and Yenkhong Tamba ceremonies. The event also featured invocation by Maiba, Thang-Ta salutation, and the lighting of the Mera Thaomei by His Majesty, the King of Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, Meidingoo Leishemba Sanajaoba expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Governor for arranging such a grand celebration within a short span of time. He also lauded the collective efforts of all concerned departments and organisers for making the event a success. His Majesty emphasised that Mera Houchongba is a festival of oneness and shared identity, bringing together people from all castes, creeds, and communities beyond social and religious divides.

He further highlighted the importance of preserving this age-old tradition and passing its values to the younger generation. Referring to the symbolic ritual of Mera Waa Yungba—the lighting of the lamp—he explained that it represents the bond of assurance and safety between the brothers from the hills and the valley, symbolising mutual trust, peace, and harmony.

Shri H. Gyan Prakash, IAS, Commissioner of Art and Culture, also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the indigenous groups who participated in the event.

The celebration featured ritual ceremonies performed by traditional priests, along with cultural showcases presented by various indigenous communities of Manipur. A symbolic exchange of homegrown produce, including fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies, further reflected the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared prosperity that defines the festival.

Eighteen cultural troupes from Sana Konung, Senapati, Ukhrul, Noney, Kangpokpi, Andro, Tamenglong, Sugnu, Tengnoupal, Senapati, and Sawombung presented their performances in the afternoon. A souvenir on Mera Houchongba 2025 was also released by the State-Level Organising Committee.

The festival once again reaffirmed the collective commitment of the people of Manipur to preserve and promote their rich cultural traditions while fostering unity, brotherhood, and understanding among all ethnic groups of the state.