Manipur, the land of colourful people and places is known for the various festival that helps the state retain age old culture, unity and integrity among the people of all castes and creeds. The festivals, mostly, are presided over by the traditional deities and ancestors. Mention may be made of
Lai-Haroba. Characterized by the worship of deities and ancestors, the festival is dedicated to Guru Sidaba, the great Lord who was believed to have been living in the dark. He started creating the world as soon as His dark room got illuminated with different colours of light. ‘Lai Haraoba’ literally means ‘Festivity of the Gods’ is a popular festival of the ‘Meiteis’ in the state.
Then Atiya Guru appeared on the scene and harden the framework moved Sidaba Guru. Sidaba gave him nine men from the right side and seven women from the left side to look after Atiya Guru. The first attempt was a failure. Same it is in the second attempt by Harba who was later enslaved by the goddess of lightening after the rescue of Atiya Guru who harden the framework to make it congenial for human being.
That’s the significance of the Lai Haroba festival on…………..The festival has some extra charm and enthusiasm in Imphal.
The Manipuri people believe that the merry-making festival firstly took place at ‘Koubru Ching’, the name of a hill situated in the northern side of the state Manipur beside the NH 39.
…
