In News:

• Manipur recently celebrated the Ningol Chakouba Festival, a unique cultural tradition that reinforces the bond of love between married women and their paternal families.
• As part of the annual celebrations, the Department of Fisheries, Manipur organized the Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal, a day before the festival.
  • The event aims to make fish available to the public at affordable prices, as fish curry is an essential part of the festive feast.

About Ningol Chakouba Festival

• Meaning:
  • Ningol – married woman (sister or daughter)
  • Chakouba – feast or communal meal

Thus, Ningol Chakouba translates to “feast of married women”.

• When Celebrated:Observed annually on the second day of Hiyangei month (October–November) of the Meitei lunar calendar.
• Main Ritual:Married women and their children visit their maternal homes for a grand feast and reunion with their brothers and parents.
  • The sons of the family formally invite their married sisters about a week in advance.
  • Women arrive in traditional attire, bringing fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies as offerings.
  • After a shared meal, brothers present gifts to their sisters as a token of love and respect.

Cultural Essence and Significance

• The festival serves as a symbol of familial unity, respect for women, and continuity of social ties even after marriage.
• It highlights the importance of kinship in Manipuri society and reinforces the bond between daughters and their parental homes.
• Beyond Manipur, the festival is now celebrated by Manipuri communities across India and abroad, preserving cultural identity among the diaspora.

Historical Background

• Origin: Traced back to the reign of King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, one of Manipur’s earliest rulers.
  • At that time, Queen Laisana used to invite her brother Poireiton to the royal palace annually for a feast—originally called “Piba Chakouba” (Piba meaning brother/son).
• Transformation:
  The tradition evolved during the reign of King Chandrakirti Singh (1831–1886), who invited his sisters instead of brothers due to logistical challenges in visiting them.
  • Since then, the celebration became known as “Ningol Chakouba”, centered on the affection between sisters and brothers.

Associated Event: Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition

• Organized by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Manipur, every year a day before Ningol Chakouba.
• Purpose:
  • Ensure easy availability of fresh fish at affordable prices for the festival.
  • Promote local fish farmers and aquaculture in the state.
• Venue: Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal.
• Cultural Link: Fish dishes, especially fish curry, are a mandatory part of the feast, symbolizing prosperity and togetherness.