Manipur Celebrates Ningol Chakouba with Joyous Family Reunions

On November 11, Manipur celebrated the vibrant festival of Ningol Chakouba, where married daughters returned to their parental homes for a day filled with feasting and gift exchanges. The event saw bustling traffic in Imphal as families gathered to honor their traditions. With significant shopping activity noted in local markets, the demand for fish, a key dish in the celebrations, soared. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh extended their warm wishes, emphasizing the festival's significance in strengthening family bonds. Additionally, financial assistance was announced for internally displaced persons, showcasing the government's commitment to supporting its citizens during festive times.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 13:38 IST

Ningol Chakouba Festivities in Manipur

An image of a family gathering for Ningol Chakouba (AT Image)

Imphal, Nov 11: The festival of Ningol Chakouba was celebrated in Manipur on Wednesday, marked by the joyful reunions of married daughters with their families, indulging in feasting, exchanging gifts, and honoring cherished traditions.

Across the valley districts, women visited their parents and siblings, often bringing their children along to partake in the celebrations.

In Imphal, traffic was notably heavy from early morning as the Traffic Control Police deployed personnel at strategic points to manage the flow and avoid congestion.

On the other hand, Khwairamband Keithel appeared relatively calm, as most festive shopping had been completed the day before.

Significant shopping activity was observed around Aloo Gali in Thangal Bazar and Masjid Road in Paona Bazar, where people bought clothes, blankets, toys, kitchenware, and various gifts for their daughters and children.

Fish, a staple in the traditional Ningol Chakouba feast, was in high demand.

Prior to the festival, the Directorate of Fisheries hosted the 47th Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition on November 10 at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal East, offering fish at discounted prices.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh conveyed their best wishes to the people of Manipur during this festive occasion.

In his message, Governor Bhalla referred to Ningol Chakouba as a beloved festival that celebrates the bond between siblings, highlighting the importance of love, respect, and family unity.

Chief Minister Singh also shared warm greetings, especially to mothers, sisters, and daughters, describing the festival as a tribute to the unique connection between daughters and their families.

Additionally, in preparation for the festival, the Chief Minister announced a financial aid of Rs 5.88 crore from the State Emergency Fund for 58,863 eligible internally displaced persons (IDPs).

As part of this initiative, Rs 1,000 was transferred to each beneficiary through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ahead of Diwali and Ningol Chakouba.