Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday extended his best wishes and greetings to the people of Manipur, specially the Hindu brethren, on the occasion of Kang (Rath Yatra) festival.
In his message, Biren stated that the celebration of Kang festival in the state begins on the second day of Engen in the Manipuri lunar calendar and ends on the tenth day. The main events of the festival include the pulling of Kang, the traditional chariot and offering of flowers and fruits to Lord Jagannath, he stated. People from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, colour and gender turned up to participate in the procession of Kang Chingba with the belief that holding the ropes and pulling the chariot carrying the deities will wash away all sorrows of life, he added.
He stated that “as we celebrate the festival with pomp and gaiety, we must also not forget to observe Covid Appropriate Behaviour to protect ourselves from the pandemic. I join the people of Manipur in the celebration of Kang and pray to Lord Jagannath to shower the State with blessings of joy and prosperity.”
Works Minister Th Biswajit Singh also extended warm wishes to the people of the state by stating that Kang (Rath Yatra) is observed every year to celebrate Lord Jaganath's destruction of evil from the face of earth.
Let this festival also inspire the people in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, he stated. “As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the State, let us all be responsible citizens. Let us all get vaccinated and adhere to the SOP like physical distancing, wearing face masks and frequent washing of hands to contain the spread of the pandemic. May Lord Jaganath give our people enough strength to fight off all evils,” he added.
Agriculture Minister Oinam Lukhoi Singh, conveying his greetings, stated that Kang is observed to celebrate lord Jagannath's destruction of evil from the face of earth.
“With the advent of this holy festival, let us all hope and pray for better tunes, joy, prosperity, peaceful coexistence and inclusive development of our state. Let us all adhere to COV1D- 19 guidelines while celebrating this festival,” he added.
“With the onset of this traditional festival, let us reminisce once again the celebration of the journey of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra,” stated Employment Minister Th Satyabrata Singh while extending his greetings to the people of the state.
“May Lord Jagannath bring in the best colours of success, prosperity and happiness in our lives. Let us all gather enough strength to fight all the evils of this world and move forward in life with optimism and courage,” he stated in his message.
He further appealed to every citizen in Manipur to adhere to SOP guidelines, get vaccinated, maintain social distancing and take precautions while going out in public, and fight Covid in true spirit and good faith so that all can remain safe and healthy.
