IMPHAL: In conflict-stricken Manipur, the traditional Ningol Chakouba festival has emerged as a powerful symbol of unity and resilience. After refraining from celebrations last year, women from the Meitei community joined in this cherished tradition to foster healing and community bonding. Similar to Bhai Dooj, Ningol Chakouba celebrates the brother-sister bond, with brothers inviting their married sisters home for a feast and reunion.
This year, civil society groups organized events under the theme of Ningol Chakouba to help alleviate the trauma caused by recent ethnic conflicts. In Chadong village, sisters from various communities, including inter-community marriages, came together for a celebration highlighting Manipur’s shared cultural roots. Indigenous people’s rights activist Khuraijam Athouba noted the festival’s unique role in transcending differences, embracing only the sacred bond of siblings.
The Indigenous People’s Forum, which coordinated the event, expressed that Ningol Chakouba serves as a beacon of hope and an opportunity to promote tolerance and coexistence. “In the midst of crisis lies a great opportunity,” the Forum stated, underscoring how this tradition fosters a sense of family, shared history, and unity across communities.
However, the ongoing conflict continues to impact life in Manipur, with traders observing a significant drop in sales during Diwali and Ningol Chakouba. Tensions remain between the Meitei and Kuki communities, driven by issues around land rights and political representation. Despite the challenges, Ningol Chakouba stands as a reminder of the strength and resilience of Manipur’s people, bringing hope for a peaceful future.
