Yaoshang, a unique Manipuri style Holi

Imphal, March 14: Yaoshang is the five days long festival that begins on the full moon day in Phalgun month here. Singing, dancing and playing with colours is part of this annual festival. During the festival, Manipuri Vaisvite elders take part in devotiol songs and rituals followed by worship of god at Kangla Fort's Shri Govindajee temple and a grand feast.

 The major attraction of this festival is the Thabal Chongba, a traditiol moonlight dance accompanied by musical equipments like drums, saxophone and flute.

 In the evening, Manipuri Vaishvites burn small thatch hut called Yaoshang and the burnt embers of that hut are thought to be sacred by Vaishvites. After the burning, the ash is collected and smeared on forehead and face of worshippers. Apart from these, coloured water is sprinkled and sprayed on everyone, much like the way it is done in rest of the country. (ANI)