Lai Haraoba

Lai Haraoba is one of the most important and ancient festivals of Manipur, particularly for the Meitei community. The term "Lai Haraoba" literally means "Pleasing of the Gods" or "Merry Making of the Gods." It is a ritualistic festival that celebrates the creation of the universe and honors the traditional deities known as Umang Lai.

This festival is a living testament to the pre-Hindu religious traditions of Manipur and continues to be an integral part of Manipuri cultural identity. It combines elements of religion, mythology, dance, music, and rituals in a unique celebration that has been preserved for centuries.

Lai Haraoba is believed to date back to the pre-Hindu era of Manipuri civilization, possibly as early as the 1st century AD. It is deeply rooted in the indigenous Meitei religion known as Sanamahism, which predates the introduction of Hinduism to Manipur in the 18th century.

The festival reenacts the creation of the universe according to Meitei mythology, including the creation of land, water, plants, animals, and humans. It also celebrates the divine love between the ancestral deities Nongpok Ningthou and Panthoibi, who represent the cosmic forces of creation.

Despite the later influence of Hinduism in Manipur, Lai Haraoba has retained its original form and continues to be celebrated with great devotion, serving as a link to the ancient cultural and religious heritage of the Meitei people.

Lai Haraoba is celebrated with elaborate rituals, dances, and music over a period of 5-10 days. The festival is held at various sacred sites across Manipur, particularly at the shrines of the Umang Lai (forest deities).

• Ritual Performances: The festival includes a series of ritual performances that reenact the creation of the universe and various mythological episodes.
• Lai Ikouba: The ritual of invoking and welcoming the deities to the festival ground.
• Lai Thiba: The ritual of offering food and drinks to the deities.
• Thougal Jagoi: A ritual dance performed by the Maibas (male priests) and Maibis (female priestesses) that depicts various aspects of creation and daily life.
• Laiching Jagoi: A dance that represents the planting of crops and agricultural activities.
• Panthoibi Jagoi: A dance that depicts the divine love between Nongpok Ningthou and Panthoibi.
• Lai Nupi Thiba: A ritual where the Maibis become possessed by the spirits of the deities.
• Hoi Laoba: A ritual chanting performed throughout the festival.

The festival concludes with the ritual of bidding farewell to the deities, known as "Lai Inanba."

During Lai Haraoba, various food offerings are made to the deities, which are later distributed among the participants as prasad (blessed food). Some of the special foods prepared during the festival include:

• Chak-hao Kheer: A sweet pudding made with black rice, milk, and sugar.
• Kabok: Puffed rice mixed with jaggery or sugar.
• Takhellei: A sweet made from rice flour and jaggery.
• Fruit offerings: Various seasonal fruits are offered to the deities.
• Eromba: A traditional dish made with boiled vegetables, fermented fish, and chili.
• Fish preparations: Various dishes made with fish, which is considered auspicious.