Heikru Hidongba Festival Celebrated with Enthusiasm in Manipur
Heikru Hidongba Festival: A Celebration of Culture
Heikru Hidongba is a testament to Manipur’s vibrant cultural legacy, showcasing its traditions and community spirit.
Imphal, Sept 23: The 248th Heikru Hidongba Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Bijoy Govinda moat in Sagolband, located in the Imphal West district.
This annual festival, organized by the Bijoy Govinda Sevayet Committee, takes place on the 11th day of ‘Langban’, the sixth month of the Manipuri lunar calendar, typically in September. It aims to promote prosperity, peace, and the welfare of the community.
Manipur's Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with his wife Jyoti Bhalla, participated in the festivities, which included a traditional boat race and various ceremonial activities.
Heikru Hidongba has been celebrated for generations and symbolizes the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and community involvement of Manipur.
MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh and other dignitaries, along with a large crowd, gathered to watch the boat race. At the event's conclusion, the Governor awarded the Governor’s Trophy and a cash prize to the winning team.
Thousands of devotees and onlookers filled the venue to enjoy the boat race, which featured colorful boats, devotional songs, and cultural performances, creating a lively atmosphere.
First held in 1779 during King Bheigyachandra's reign, the boat race is not just a cultural event but also a sacred ritual aimed at invoking divine blessings for agricultural prosperity and the protection of Manipur.
As part of the rituals, special garlands are crafted—one from 108 gooseberries and another from 108 hand-picked rice grains. These offerings represent purity, prosperity, and the collective well-being of the community.
The boat race itself is rich in spiritual significance, with a twin boat being sanctified in the presence of the deity, accompanied by devotional music, prayers, and aarti.