Manipur Celebrates "Ningol Chakkouba" with Love, Family Reunions and Festive Spirit
Manipur is celebrating Ningol Chakkouba, one of the most cherished traditional festivals of the Meitei community, with great enthusiasm and joy as families come together to honour the special bond between married women and their parental families.
Observed on the second day of the Meitei lunar month of Hiyangei, Ningol Chakkouba symbolises love, affection, respect and family unity. On this occasion, married women, accompanied by their children, visit their parental homes, where they are warmly welcomed by their brothers and other family members.
The festival is traditionally celebrated with special meals, the exchange of gifts and heartfelt family gatherings. Traditional delicacies, particularly fish preparations, form an important part of the festive feast, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and customs of Manipur.
Beyond its traditional significance, Ningol Chakkouba represents an enduring emotional connection between married women and their parental families. It provides an opportunity for brothers and sisters to renew their relationships, share memories and strengthen family ties.
Ahead of the festival, markets across the state witnessed increased activity as people purchased clothes, gifts, fruits, vegetables, fish and other essential items for the celebrations. Various government departments and organisations also undertook initiatives to ensure the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices and prevent unfair trade practices.
The All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) inspected shops at Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar in Imphal to monitor compliance with government-notified prices. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries organised its annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition to make fish available to consumers at affordable rates ahead of the festival.
The Indian Army also organized community celebrations in Bishnupur district, distributing gifts and sharing a traditional festive meal with local women as part of its efforts to strengthen community relations.
However, the festive occasion also brings emotional challenges for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who remain unable to return to their ancestral homes following the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. For many displaced women, celebrating Ningol Chakkouba away from their parental homes and loved ones remains painful. Although the state government has extended special financial assistance of Rs 1,000 each to 58,863 eligible displaced persons, the longing for a safe and dignified return to their native homes continues.
On this auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba, Northeast Window TV extends its warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to all the Ningols, their brothers, families and the people of Manipur. May this beautiful festival strengthen the bonds of love, affection, respect and togetherness among families and communities. We sincerely hope that the celebration brings peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness to every household, while also bringing renewed hope to all those affected by the ongoing crisis. May the coming days pave the way for lasting peace, reconciliation and the safe return of every displaced family to their homes. Happy Ningol Chakkouba to all the people of Manipur!
Observed on the second day of the Meitei lunar month of Hiyangei, Ningol Chakkouba symbolises love, affection, respect and family unity. On this occasion, married women, accompanied by their children, visit their parental homes, where they are warmly welcomed by their brothers and other family members.
The festival is traditionally celebrated with special meals, the exchange of gifts and heartfelt family gatherings. Traditional delicacies, particularly fish preparations, form an important part of the festive feast, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and customs of Manipur.
Beyond its traditional significance, Ningol Chakkouba represents an enduring emotional connection between married women and their parental families. It provides an opportunity for brothers and sisters to renew their relationships, share memories and strengthen family ties.
Ahead of the festival, markets across the state witnessed increased activity as people purchased clothes, gifts, fruits, vegetables, fish and other essential items for the celebrations. Various government departments and organisations also undertook initiatives to ensure the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices and prevent unfair trade practices.
The All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) inspected shops at Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar in Imphal to monitor compliance with government-notified prices. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries organised its annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition to make fish available to consumers at affordable rates ahead of the festival.
The Indian Army also organized community celebrations in Bishnupur district, distributing gifts and sharing a traditional festive meal with local women as part of its efforts to strengthen community relations.
However, the festive occasion also brings emotional challenges for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who remain unable to return to their ancestral homes following the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. For many displaced women, celebrating Ningol Chakkouba away from their parental homes and loved ones remains painful. Although the state government has extended special financial assistance of Rs 1,000 each to 58,863 eligible displaced persons, the longing for a safe and dignified return to their native homes continues.
On this auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba, Northeast Window TV extends its warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to all the Ningols, their brothers, families and the people of Manipur. May this beautiful festival strengthen the bonds of love, affection, respect and togetherness among families and communities. We sincerely hope that the celebration brings peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness to every household, while also bringing renewed hope to all those affected by the ongoing crisis. May the coming days pave the way for lasting peace, reconciliation and the safe return of every displaced family to their homes. Happy Ningol Chakkouba to all the people of Manipur!
