In Manipur, one of the major festivals of the State- Ningol Chakouba was held today across the State. It was also held in other neighbouring States and countries where Manipuri reside. The festival symbolized strengthening the bond of love between married ladies and their brothers along with paternal families.
The festival is celebrated every year on the second day of Hiyangei month of the Meitei calendar. Married ladies visited their paternal families in the morning for a feast to be had together with their brothers and other family members. After the feast, they were given gifts by brothers. Ningol Chakouba is Manipur words being Ningol- married ladies and Chakouba- having grand feast together.
In different valley districts of Manipur, civil society organisations also celebrated Ningol Chakouba along with married and unmarried ladies from different ethnic communities. The festival was also celebrated in various relief camps where Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are taking shelter since the unrest in the State from 2023.