The inaugural function of the Northern Maram Women Organisation (NMWO) Mangkang Festival cum 14th General Conference commenced with much enthusiasm and fervor at Maram Lumshyiipou (Lairouching) Village on Saturday.
Saka Martha Chawang, a senior member, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In her address, she proposed that the traditional women’s festival, Mangkang, be exclusively celebrated at its ancestral place, Maram Khullen. Chawang highlighted the importance of preserving cultural traditions and commended past leaders for reviving the festival amidst challenges, particularly during a period when it was discontinued due to changes in religious demographics.
Pungdi P Celestine, acting president of Maram Union, emphasised the deeper significance of the Mangkang festival beyond its unique Psii-ha dance. He elucidated the rituals and preparations leading up to the festival, emphasising acts of communal sharing and the symbolic transition from old to new values. Celestine underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and urged the younger generation to uphold and pass on these traditions to posterity.
Guest of honor Joanna Karaila Maram, Principal of D Regina English High School, Imphal, graced the occasion, while the welcome note was delivered by Kanga Regina. Stoinam KR extended the vote of thanks at the inaugural session.
In the subsequent session, Rangshung Robin, president of Maram Students’ Union, and RS Taipi, President of Maram Women Union, delivered greetings and speeches on ‘Women & Religion’ respectively.
As of issuing this press release, the festival continued with cultural regale, programmes, and competitions underway. Scheduled from May 3-6, 2024, the 14th Mangkang Festival cum General Conference is organised under the presidentship of Rana Jenish T, with Kanga Regina serving as the convenor.
The Mangkang Unique Psii-ha dance competition, reminiscent of past Maram traditions, holds a special place in the festival, akin to the modern-day Miss contests, as emphasized by Stoina KR, General Secretary of NMWO.
