Manipur dressing up for Ningol Chakkouba festival

Imphal, Oct 25: The entire state of Manipur wore a festive look to celebrate the Ningol Chakkouba festival on Oct 31. It is one of the biggest festivals of Manipur during which all married women go to their parental houses for a grand feast.

The main market of Imphal, the Khwairamband Keithel, was abuzz with activity as people were thronging the shops to buy gifts. Parents and brothers present gifts to the married women when they come to their house for a feast with their children.

Exhibitions were being held at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Hapta Kangjeibung, where gift items were being sold in large quantities.

Meanwhile, A R Khan, Commissioner of Labour, said the shops will be allowed to remain open tomorrow to enable people to prepare for the Ningol Chakkouba festival.

The state fishery department is also planning to organise a fish mela at the Imphal Pologround. Special prizes will be announced for those who sell the maximum number of fish during the mela.

The state government is also expected to release all pending bills and salaries within the next few days in view of the festival.

UNI