Ningol Chakkouba is a traditional Manipuri festival celebrated in the Indian state of Manipur. The festival, also known as "Ningol Chakkouba," typically takes place in November or December, following the Manipuri lunar calendar.
Origin
The origin and exact date of this festival is not known. However according to legends the festival is said to be started in around fourth century. Queen Laisana started a trend to invite brother to sister’s home for feast. Initially the festival was called Piba Chakouba, Piba means son. Maharaj Chandrakriti, who ruled during the nineteenth century, found the task of visiting each of his sisters separately troublesome. As an alternative, he invited all of them to his palace instead, and thus Piba Chakkouba became Ningol Chakkouba.Historical Significance:
Ningol Chakkouba is believed to have been celebrated since ancient times, with its roots in the social and cultural practices of the Manipuri people. The festival symbolizes the importance of familial bonds and reflects traditional values of respect and love among family members.Mythological Connections:
Some versions of the festival's origin are tied to mythological stories and legends from Manipuri folklore. One such legend involves the goddess Panthoibi, a revered deity in Manipuri Hinduism. According to the myth, Ningol Chakkouba was established to honor and celebrate the goddess, emphasizing the significance of the sister-brother relationship.Cultural Evolution:
Over time, Ningol Chakkouba evolved into a festival specifically celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. This evolution reflects broader themes of familial love and respect, which are central to Manipuri culture.How Ningol Chakkouba is Celebrated
Invitations are sent to the ningols before the 2nd day of Hiyanggei; this invitation is not a plain old card, but a betel leaf folded over betel nuts. When the auspicious day finally arrives, the ningols of the Meitei community dress themselves in their finest clothes and visit their family, taking sweets, fruits, and other delicacies. Then, they enjoy a grand feast at their former homes. The feast usually consists of a meat item (generally fish), and other traditional items, such as iromba, champhut and kanghou. Later in the afternoon, gifts are presented to the ningols and their children, and in return, they give blessings to their parents and brothers.The Current Face of Ningol Chakkouba
These days, Ningol Chakkouba shopping has grown so big that one can expect the market areas to suffer traffic jams in the days leading up to it. Fish fairs are held in the preceding day, and Tambola games locally popular as Housie is organized in many parts of the localities, giving away handsome prizes for the winners. Functions dedicated to the women of Manipur are held, and special screenings of popular movies are shown at theaters.The Significance of Ningol Chakkouba
Ningol Chakkouba pays tribute to the bond between siblings and strengthens it. It is an occasion for a family get together. It is celebrated elsewhere in India, with brothers inviting their sisters and cousins for a feast. The ningols need not be married to enjoy a feast thrown by the brothers. Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), along with Tangkhul Church Charitable Trust, Delhi, also organises the festival for their tribal sisters who have married into Meitei families. Thus, it is an overall symbol of familial love.Preparations
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Cleaning and Decorating: Families clean and decorate their homes in preparation for the festival. Traditional decorations may include floral arrangements and traditional Manipuri crafts.
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Food Preparation: Extensive preparations are made for the special meal. Traditional Manipuri dishes are prepared, which often include rice, fish, meat, vegetables, and local sweets. Some popular dishes served during the festival include Kangshoi (vegetable stew), Ooti (spicy fish curry), and Eromba (mashed vegetables).
2. Rituals and Ceremonies
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Offering Prayers: Families may visit temples or perform rituals at home to seek blessings from deities. These rituals are intended to bring prosperity, good health, and happiness to the family.
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Traditional Music and Dance: In some regions, traditional Manipuri music and dance performances may be part of the celebrations. These performances showcase Manipuri culture and are enjoyed by family members and guests.
3. Feast
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Inviting Sisters: On Ningol Chakkouba, brothers invite their sisters to their homes. The sisters are welcomed with much enthusiasm and are treated as honored guests.
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Feast and Gifts: A grand feast is served to the sisters and their families. During the meal, a variety of traditional Manipuri dishes are served. After the meal, brothers give gifts to their sisters, which can include clothes, jewelry, or money. The gifts symbolize love and appreciation for the sisters.
4. Family Bonding
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Spending Time Together: The festival is a time for families to come together and celebrate their relationships. It is common for families to engage in conversations, share stories, and strengthen their bonds during the festival.
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Exchanging Greetings: It is customary for family members to exchange warm greetings and best wishes for each other’s well-being and happiness.
5. Community Events
- Festive Atmosphere: In addition to private family celebrations, there may be community events and gatherings where people come together to celebrate the festival. This can include fairs, exhibitions, and cultural programs.
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