About Mera Hou Chongba Festival:
- It is celebrated in Manipur on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month of the Meitei calendar every year.
- The festival's historical roots are believed to date back to the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, a legendary early ruler of Manipur.
- Rituals: Manipur titular King lead a ritual march involving tribal village chiefs from the Manipur Royal Palace to the historic Kangla, where traditional rituals, including Mera Thaomei Thanba (lighting of the ceremonial fire) and Mera Yenkhong Tamba (exchange of gifts).
- The festival will culminate with a showcase of cultural dances and a grand feast marking the brotherhood among different tribes in the state.
- It is the only festival in Manipur in which all indigenous communities participate, and it has a significant importance in the unity and communal harmony of Manipur.
