Mera Houchongba festival celebrated

Imphal, Oct 7: 'Mera Houchongba', a festival of brotherhood and affection among Manipur's different communities was celebrated today all over the state with great pomp and show.

The age old traditional festival was held at the Royal Palace here and in Kangla, the seat of power of Manipur kings.

People in large numbers from various communities like Meitei, Naga, Kuki and many more clad in their traditional snaked out in royal procession with horses towards Kangla.

The procession was led by last Manipur King Boddhachandra's grandson, organisers said.

Rites and rituals were performed at Kangla after which they came back to the Royal Palace here.

Cultural and traditional dances were perfomed and gifts were exchanged between the different communities.

The organisers said the festival was being celebrated under the patronage of the Manipur kings since centuries to maintain cordial relations among the ethnic groups.

The state has more than 34 recognised tribes, besides, the majority Meitei community and Muslims, they said

UNI