Mera Chaoren Houba – September 26, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
Mera Chaoren Houba festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Mera Tha, the seventh month in the Manipuri Lunar calendar, and this year, it falls on September 26. This is a highly specific calendar that follows rules different from the Hindu solar calendar and the Islamic lunar calendar.
Mera Chaoren Houba is a regional public holiday celebrated in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. It is an annual holiday that is observed with a lot of reverence in the state. Happy Mera Chaoren Houba to all celebrating!
HISTORY OF MERA CHAOREN HOUBA
Mera Chaorel Houba, also known as Mera Chaoren Houba, is an ancient Meitei religious festival. The celebrations are dedicated to the Lord Lainingthou Sanamahi, the supreme deity of a Manipuri household, and Leimarel Sidabi, the goddess of earth, nature, and the one who gave birth to all creations in the entire Universe. Mera Chaoren Houba is celebrated by the Meitei people and other indigenous tribal communities of Manipur.
Mera Chaoren Houba is celebrated with the most fervor in the Kangla Palace and the Sanamahi Temple, in the Imphal district of Manipur. Devotees come bearing fruits, vegetables, rice, and incense to offer to the deities. They seek blessings for good health and prosperity. The most special moment of the celebration is offering water from the Nungjeng Pukhri, Kangla Palace to the deities at the temple.
Mera Chaoren Houba is also a festival for preserving and promoting unity and integrity amongst all the communities in Manipuri. The festival also marks the start of the Manipuri month of ‘Mera,’ which falls between September and October. During Mera Chaoren Houba, some Manipuris also celebrate the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri.
This is the time to also pray for and sustain the age-old tradition of love, brotherhood, and solidarity between the valleys and people of Manipur. Mera Chaoren Houba also teaches us how to live in harmony with animals, birds, and nature. The celebrations are a reminder that we share the planet with other creatures who deserve as much dignity and respect as humans.
MERA CHAOREN HOUBA TIMELINE
1891
Princely State
Manipur becomes a princely state under British rule.
World War II
A Battleground
The Japanese and Allied Forces fight battles in Manipur.
1956
Manipur Becomes a Union Territory
The kingdom is merged into India and becomes a union territory for 16 years.
1972
Manipur Achieves Statehood
Statehood is achieved and the day is marked.
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HOW TO OBSERVE MERA CHAOREN HOUBA
Plant saplings
Mera Chaoren Houba is a celebration of mother nature and all creatures, especially trees, animals, and birds. A great way to celebrate the festival is by planting saplings and doing your bit for nature.
Hold a prayer meeting
Praying is a big part of Mera Chaoren Houba celebrations. Kickstart the celebrations by praying for your loved ones today. You could also pray for peace, unity, and harmony among all communities.
Indulge in Manipuri traditions
Manipur has a long and rich history of food, music, textiles, and dance. You can also celebrate Mera Chaoren Houba by learning more about the state, its people, and its cultures.
Facts
The birthplace of polo
The British made the sport global; it was known as Sagol Kangjei.
World’s only floating national park
The honor belongs to Keibul Lamjao National Park.
The average literacy rate
The average literacy rate of Manipur is 79.85% against 74.04% of the national average.
Bollywood movies are not released
Hindi language cinema was banned in the state in 2000.
Not everyone can go to Manipur
Domestic tourists need permits too.
WHY MERA CHAOREN HOUBA IS IMPORTANT
A unique festival
There are very few festivals that focus on establishing harmony between humans and the natural world. Mera Chaoren Houba is one such festival and it is proving to be crucial in today’s age of climate crisis.
Calls for harmony
Mera Chaoren Houba also calls for harmony, peace, and unity. It is a great way to renew your ties with those you love and make some new bonds too! It is a day of love and friendship.
Celebration of Manipuri traditions
Mera Chaoren Houba is deeply rooted in Manipuri culture and traditions. If you are not a resident of the state, the festival helps you understand and appreciate all things Manipuri.
