THE GODS AND THE GODDESSES HAVE DESCENDED

LAND OF FESTIVALS
HIYAANG HIREN TAANNABA

Hiyaang Hirel Hidaannaba (Hiyaang Kummei) is held annually at Ningthoukhong in honour of the God Lainingthou Oknarel, the Goddess Leimarembi Khumbu Leima and their daughter Macha Leima. It was held in the Loktak Lake since time immemorial. However, recently the venue has been shifted to the Ningthoukhong Canal. This year shows the two teams - one from Thanga and the other from Karaang - representing Lainingthou Oknarel and Leimarembi Khumbu Leima respectively. The winner is decided from three laps. This year, the female team won and the prediction for this year is that women will play the dominant role in almost all matters concerning Manipur.

Thousands of people thronged to behold this picturesque duel, which until now, has been less known to the general public. However, much has to be done to popularise and bring to the limelight this hidden cultural heritage of Manipur.