Why Was Violence-Hit Manipur's Mega 5-Day Holi Muted And Colourless This Year?

A muted Holi, or Yaosang, was observed in violence-hit Manipur this year. One of the biggest festivals of the Meitei community, a majority of whom are Hindus, its scale is such that Yaosang is celebrated for five days.

The celebrations, which are dominated by community sports events such as football, marathons, volleyball, etc., come naturally in the state that has produced world-champion athletes despite its relatively small population.

Manipur's Yaosang: What Is It and why are they not celebrating?

With over 50,000 people, including members of the Kuki-Zo tribes, internally displaced across the state and living in harsh conditions in relief camps, the Meitei community has refrained from celebrating the spring festival of colours this year.

Elizabeth Kh, a social sector professional from Manipur, the desire of the Meitei people for a symbolic Yaosang, as per NDTV reports. It was suggested that the festivities might be omitted this year, yet Yaosang holds significance as it heralds the arrival of spring, fostering unity, generosity, and communal engagement.

Particularly, Yaosang holds a special place in the hearts of children. Annually, they eagerly anticipate Yaosang to engage in their beloved "nakatheng" segment, marking the first day of celebrations. Dressed in their finest attire, children embark on a tradition of visiting neighbours, bestowing blessings upon adults who eagerly await their arrival.

In exchange, children receive loose change, which they pool to purchase sweets, fostering camaraderie among themselves. Furthermore, this is not the first festival which the Meitei community has abstained from celebrating another significant festival, Ningol Chakouba was also not celebrated last year.

Ningol Chakouba, akin to Bhai Dooj, sees brothers welcoming sisters from their matrimonial homes for a lavish feast, but such festivities were put on hold. In addition, the Kuki-Zo tribes experienced a sombre Christmas last year amidst struggles for survival in hill towns isolated from the state capital, Imphal, as reported by NDTV.

Despite challenges, some neighbourhoods in Imphal Valley marked the onset of spring and Yaosang by igniting straw huts, a ritual akin to bonfire traditions preceding Holi celebrations in other regions. Though civil society organizations urged restraint in Yaosang festivities amid thousands enduring 10-month stints in relief camps, others advocated for communal celebration with camp residents.

Kaito W, an Indian Institute of Technology PhD graduate and researcher, emphasized the economic boost Yaosang brings. Small businesses and traders stand to benefit, offering respite to individuals burdened by the turmoil. Stressing the importance of children's happiness amidst adversity, practical approaches to the situation were urged, reported NDTV.

Manipur Resident Expresses Frustration Over Lack of Government Action

Bikramjit RK, an Imphal resident, visited the Bijoy Govinda temple today to observe how Yaosang would unfold this year. He expressed that he has not witnessed a "darkest period" like the current situation in Manipur. Rajkumar, 28, who works at a private firm, expressed to NDTV over the phone from Imphal that it is sufficient to simply stay alive in the current circumstances.

He conveyed that the people of Manipur have suffered significant losses in terms of livelihoods, affecting various aspects including education and the economy. Rajkumar emphasized that Yaosang holds immense importance beyond being just a festival of colours for them.

He highlighted that it also serves as a time for celebrations and sports events organized by local clubs, encouraging young individuals to engage in sports activities. Furthermore, he added that the central government has not taken any proactive measures to restore normalcy in Manipur. Rajkumar remarked on the silence of the Prime Minister, indicating how neglected the people of Manipur feel.

The sentiment among those desiring to celebrate Yaosang is that the festival would invigorate small shops, which have experienced prolonged inactivity and losses in recent months. Similar sentiments were echoed during last year's Ningol Chakouba. They assert that the resumption of some economic activity would be crucial in restoring normalcy.

However, the appeal by civil society groups and influential individuals to minimize or abstain from celebrations appears to have garnered acceptance among a significant portion of the Meiteis, according to William Meitei, a sports consultant and talent scout.

Meitei highlighted a solemn acknowledgement of the severity of the situation and a strong demonstration of solidarity with those impacted by the violence, regarding the decision to refrain from Holi celebrations in Manipur. It was emphasized that Holi in Manipur spans over five days, featuring not just festivities but also sports events that instill a winning attitude from a young age, contributing to Manipur's status as a sports powerhouse.

It was added that amidst the struggles faced by the Meitei people and the pressing issues of displacement, illegal activities, and cultural integrity, celebrating festivals seems inappropriate.

Another Imphal resident, Athokpam Shanta Devi, noted that her generation grew up with fond memories of Holi, but this is the first time she has witnessed such a silent and colourless Holi. "It is a poignant reminder of the situation in Manipur. It was a dark Diwali last year, and now a colourless Holi for Manipur. I request the central government to intervene immediately and restore normalcy," expressed Devi, 42.

For Laikangbam Reeta, residing in Delhi, visiting Manipur during Yaosang was the most anticipated event. "My daughter's school exams are over, and it is usually the time I go to Manipur to celebrate Holi with my family at home. This time I have cancelled my trip," said Reeta, reported NDTV.

Meanwhile, taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Holi greetings were extended by Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh, who acknowledged that the festival won't be loud this year. "Wishing everyone on the auspicious occasion of Yaoshang. Though there won't be much celebration in Manipur, it is hoped that it will bring happiness and prosperity amongst you all. Happy Holi," he wrote.

Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023 between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meiteis due to profound disagreements regarding the sharing of land, resources, political representation, and affirmative action policies. The clashes have resulted in over 200 fatalities and the internal displacement of thousands. The Kuki-Zo tribes predominantly inhabit the hill areas in southern Manipur and a few other districts, while the Meiteis form the majority in the valley areas.