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Rathayatra
Rathayatra locally known as
'Kong', is held on the second new moon of Inga
(June-July) until the tenth day. During the Rathayatra the procession follows
the music party with a pung (drum), nahal (large cymbals), gongs, bells and
conch. The devotees sing devotional songs and dance. The offerings of barti
(short sticks having cotton fibre wrapping around, soaked in ghee), flowers and
fruits are made by devotees at different places in the locality. In the evening
community feasts are arranged in the Mandapas of temples. The Kirtan called 'Khubakisei'
is performed by the devotees. In houses a special kind of food is prepared as a
'prasad'. The main Rathayatra is performed in the Govindajee temple. The women wear special dress for the occasion, the light pink coloured
'fanek'
and white 'chader'. Man wear white dhoti and kurta. Some old people also wear
white 'pagri'.
Janmashtami
In Manipur Lord Krishna's birthday called Janmashtami is celebrated on the
eight day of the new moon in the month of Thawan (July-Aug). It is celebrated by
the Manipuris with great enthusiasm and devotion. The devotees keep fast on that
day and visit temples. The main rush is seen at the Mahabali temple. A kind of
festival is arranged there. In other temples also the priests recite stories of
the birth and life of Lord Krishna.
Heikru Hitongba
Heikru
Hitongba, the boat race, is an annual function which takes place on
eleventh Langban on the canal in the Bijoy Govinda area. It is related to the
Govindajee temple as the deities from the temple and palace are made to preside
during the function. Offerings of pieces of gold and silver are made before the
presiding deities by the Brahmins and the leaders of the two crew parties. The
crew-men show a spirited performance. Each party tries its level best to
complete with the other or even to overthrow the other boat.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is celebrated in Mera (October) month. The main centre of worship
of Durga Puja is the Kali temple of Imphal town. The images of goddess Durga are
made at several places in Mandapas and in public places. The Mandapas are
decorated during these days and Puja is held in praise of the goddess. The
Brahmins recite stories of Puranas, Krishna, Radha and Chaitanya. The idol of
goddess is carried in a procession on the last day.
Diwali
The Diwali
festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The houses are
cleaned and decorated. The temples, temple yards, houses, shops and public
places are illuminated with divas, candles and electric lights. The goddess of
wealth, the Lakshmi, is worshipped in temples and houses. Children enjoy playing
with fireworks.
Baruni
The Baruni festival is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark half of
Phairen (Jan-Feb). It is devoted to worship of Lord Shiva. It is introduced by
Chandrakirti in the nineteenth century. On this day the devotee boys, girls and
elders make a pilgrimage to Nongmaijing mountain. it is a tradition to take
ritual bath in the river Ganges. The bath is taken by the pilgrims in Chinggoi
stream. after taking the bath they climb the mountain at night by the northward
route and follow the opposite side route for descending. The phallic stone is in
the Shiva shrine on the mountain. The pilgrims present their offerings to the
Shivalinga. Kirtans are also arranged in the temple. The crowd is massive and
provides a festive look on this isolated spot.
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