Married women (Ningols’) of Manipur sacrificed their favourite festival of ‘Ningol Chakouba’ due to the ongoing unrest in the state since May 3rd.

It is noted that this auspicious festival began way back in the 4th Century when the then Queen Laisana requested her brother Poireiton to have a meal with the royal family.

This festive occasion of ” Ningol Chakouba” normally falls every year on the second lunar day of the new moon in the Manipuri month of ” Hiyangei”(Oct/Nov). It is believed to be one of the most remarkable social festivals of the Meiteis signifying the bond of love between brothers and sisters.

During this auspicious festival married women are seen dressed up in their best ethnic attires taking all kinds of sweets and fruits to their parental homes and feast. Later the brothers gift their sisters and seek blessings at the end of the day.

Different communities eagerly wait for this day every year where they get a chance to enjoy sumptuous meals with their parents and siblings.

Talking to KRC TIMES, Meena Chanu a sweeper expressed that she will not celebrate this festival or any other festival until and unless the state gains peace.

The famous Ema Market had no crowd as compared to last year. Vegetable vendors came in the early hours to sell fresh vegetables before going for their routine guarding of the village which they have in a roaster system.

Two women expressed, ‘How will we celebrate when our daughters and sisters are in the relief camps? We don’t want any celebrations but want peace to come back to our land. We want to go back to our fields and earn’

Talking to KRC TIMES through a telephonic interview a lady now staying at  Loitang Khunou relief camp said,” The government said they will give us money to build our house along with supporting documents from our side but the big question is where is the land? I came running with my kids and husband and have been shifting from one to another relief camps and finally staying here which is a bit nearer to my relative’s place. They are also very poor and can’t support our family so we are living in a relief camp now. The government is also doing what it could but we never wanted such a life, we want to earn and live in our land by cultivating our own Crops and seasonal vegetables.”

At present, some of the relief camps have started producing agarbattis, soft toys, and detergents and started selling them, supported by the concerned District Commissioner.

Many women in the relief camps have lost their brothers and even lost their homes in this cruel unrest. Some have no resources or space to invite now or even in coming years which is indeed a pathetic situation left for the people.

Some children were seen holding papers with broad headings like,” This Diwali, we don’t have a home to decorate and “I don’t have clothes to wear ” were among some messages from these kids in most of the relief camps.

This cruel unrest gulped down only innocent lives but also snatched peace of mind from all.

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