Manipur gripped by 'Mera Houchongba festival'

The age-old 'Mera Houchongba festival' of Manipur keeps alive the bond between the people of hills and the valley.

Organized by the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, the festival brings together the people of Manipur, who exchange gifts to foster peace and harmony among various tribes and communities.

The tradition is called "Ching-Tam Pot Lanaba". Folk artists from hills and valley performed songs and traditional dances.

A handloom expo was also organized at the festival by District Handlooms and Textiles Office with an aim to promote handloom products.

More than 80 stall put up at the fair, which provided a good platform to local artisans to showcase their unique products.

In Tripura, Reang tribe organized Hojagiri dance festival with an aim to preserve the traditional culture and make the new generation aware about the performing art.

On the occasion, they worshiped the Goddess Mailuma (Laxmi) with full reverence and devotion.

During the event, men and women in their colorful attire performed traditional dance and mesmerized the audiences.

Such festivals in the Northeast help to preserve the age-old traditions of tribal people.