Ningol Chakouba celebrated with fanfare

 OUR CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, Nov 28: The members of Silchar unit of All Assam Manipuri Students’ Union (AAMSU) organized a programme to celebrate Ningol Chakouba festival in the premises of Ibemhal High School in Rongpur part-II of the town today. Nilotpal Choudhury, editor of Manipur Chronicle, an English daily, was the chief-guest on the occasion. Writer Chandrima Dutta, S Jayanti Devi, president of Meira Paibi, N Dhojo Singh, general secretary of Barak Valley Manipuri Development Council, M Churamony Singha, former principal of Gurucharan College, and Peri Gongmei were the guest of honour of the programme.

 Speaking on the occasion, S Kamalakanta Sinha, former principal of D N N K Girls Higher Secondary School, said in Manipuri language ‘Ningol’ means married and ‘Chakouba’ means invitation for lunch. The festival is celebrated by inviting married daughters to their parental home for a grant feast. Gifts are also exchanged on the occasion. In the year 1834, the then Manipuri King Chandrakirti while on a religious pilgrimage to Bengal came to know of the ‘Bhai-dooj’ festival of the Bengalis.

 After his arrival from the pilgrimage, King Chandrakirti introduced it in Manipur. In the Manipuri version of ‘Bhai-dooj’, known as ‘Ningol Chakouba’, brothers apply mark on the forehead of their sisters. It is traditiolly celebrated on second of Sukla thithi in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. Historically, in Manipur a similar festival was first held in 33 AD during the reign of King Pakumba, which was later discontinued, S Kamalakanta Sinha added to say.

 Seram Herajit Singh, president of AAMSU, who presided over the programme, said that people of all communities irrespective of caste, creed and religion attend this festival. It is being held for the second time in Barak Valley. He further urged upon the people to avoid all kinds of antisocial activities and lead a meaningful and productive life. He added to say that such festival revive family ties and strengthen the bond of love and affection. Other members of the Union present on the programme included Pangambam Nilkanta, general secretary.