Fanfare and gaiety mark Holi celebrations in Manipur

Imphal, Mar 13 (ANI): Residents in Manipur indulged in revelry as they celebrate the five-day long Yaoshang festival, which coincides with 'Holi'.

They start preparing in advance for the festivities as they set up thatched huts and other paraphernalia for the festivities.

These begin with residens taking out a procession to a local temple and playing with colours, after offering prayers to the deity.

Later, the people burn the thatch huts and children go from house-to-house seeking money for the festivities.

The main highlight of Yaoshang is the Thabal Chongba dance where girls and boys form a huge circle by holding hands and dance and sing.

Since this is an annual affair, there is lot of excitement amongst the people.

"I'm very excited. After all this is once a year affair.," said Albert, a resident.

Yaoshang is a five-day affair celebrated on full moon day and is one of the major festivals of the region.

Celebrated in the month of Phagun (February-March), according to the Hindu calendar, Holi is associated with the uninhibited expression of love and affection. The festival also marks the onset of spring.

Celebrated at the onset of spring, the festival also holds a mythological importance - that of the triumph of good over evil. By L C K Singh (ANI)