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Manipur Celebrates Mera Hou Chongba Festival of Hill‑Valley Unity

Manipur came together in celebration of Mera Hou Chongba, a festival that powerfully symbolizes the unity between hill tribes and valley dwellers. Observed on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the traditional Meitei calendar, this annual event is a showcase of communal harmony, indigenous identity, and cultural togetherness. This year, tribal village chiefs from the hill districts gathered at the Manipur Royal Palace (Sana Konung) in Imphal, where they were ceremoniously received by Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, the titular King of Manipur and a Rajya Sabha MP.

Rituals and Celebrations

The day began with sacred rituals at Sana Konung, followed by a ritual march led by the king and the tribal leaders to the historic site of Kangla. Key events include,

Mera Men Tongba – a ritual drink offering
Yenkhong Tamba – symbolic enactments of unity
Gift exchange between hill village chiefs and valley representatives
The rituals highlight the mutual respect and brotherhood among the communities.

The day concluded with a grand cultural showcase, featuring tribal and valley dance forms, folk music, and a communal feast, reaffirming social harmony and shared heritage.

Cultural and Social Importance

Mera Hou Chongba stands out as the only festival in Manipur that sees participation from all indigenous communities, regardless of region or tribe.
It serves not only as a celebration but also as a platform for peacebuilding and solidarity in a state that has experienced inter-community tensions in the past.
Historically, the roots of the festival are believed to trace back to the era of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, one of the earliest known rulers of Manipur.
The observance reinforces the idea that despite ethnic and geographical diversity, the people of Manipur share a collective identity rooted in tradition and coexistence.