HEIKRU HITONGBA

LAND OF FESTIVALS
Heikru (Amla) is said to be worth more than ten lemons in terms of their health benefits. Today is the day of Heikru Hitongba(the official announcement to the public to begin eating the ripe fruits. On this auspicious day, the Heikru is truly honoured before consumption by adorning it with public proclamation (previously by the kings in the feudal era) and displaying the grand fruit on twin royal boats. This literally means the Heikru embarking on the long boats. The twin boats then compete for a race called HIYAANG TAANNABA in grandeur amidst a thronging huge crowd.

The boat race usually starts in the afternoon. A grand day today. However, just before the race, black clouds came and an everlasting downpour swept away all hope. Everybody run helter-skelter. Finally, the rain did come to a halt. But by then, it was too dark in the evening and all photographic opportunity to capture the race becomes bleak. What a day!

Note : The same downpour happened a couple of years ago on this same day.