Manipur’s Yaoshang festival begins

March 11, 2023

Yaoshang, Manipur‘s version of Holi, which lasts for five days, has begun. On the full moon of Lamta (February–March) in the Meitei lunar calendar, the event is observed annually.
Manipur celebrates Yaoshang differently than Holi, with a traditional touch.
- Manipur comes to life throughout the course of these five days with traditional “thabal chongba” dance in the evening and sporting events during the day.
- A typical Meitei dance called the thabal chongba involves boys and girls dancing in a circle on an open field.
  - The Thabal Chongba is now performed all during the Lamta month, though.
- In a practice known as “nakatheng,” kids solicit their neighbours for financial gifts.