The Meitei group of Manipuri people celebrated Lai Haraoba, a festival to appease traditional deities, with the aim to keep alive the cultural heritage of those residing away from their home state and let the new generation know about their cultural heritage.
An expert team from Manipur was invited to conduct the programme.
Lai Haraoba, which literally translates to 'Pleasing of the Gods' is the greatest single key to the religion, culture and history of the Meitei Manipuri.
It is celebrated through oral literature, music and dance, ceremonial and ritual, that presents a unique pre-Hindu/Vaishnav religion of the Manipuri people. Some also believe it is the festival of Lord Shiva and her consort Parvati.
"We performed the traditional Manipuri dance and enjoyed it thoroughly. We very happy to witness such a large audience," a participant told ANI.
Manipuris believe that Lai Haraoba dance represents the concept of the beginning of the world. Hymns are narrated on the creation of this universe: the sun, the stars, the planets, the moon, the earth, air, water, and so on, accompanied with dances shown through different 'khut-theks' or hand movements.
According to folklore, the gods held the first Lai Haraoba on the Koubru hill so that their descendants will imitate them and perform the same rites.
The organizers expressed hope that the festival will not only help in reviving their tradition by encouraging the Manipuri youths to know about their rich tradition but also bring them closer to people of other communities and spread the message of brotherhood and peace.
