Mera Houchongba

Mera Houchongba is a unique festival that celebrates the bond between the hill and valley communities of Manipur. The term "Mera" refers to a month in the Manipuri calendar, and "Houchongba" means the coming together of people from different regions. This festival symbolizes the historical, cultural, and emotional ties that bind the diverse communities of Manipur.

Celebrated during the Mera month (October) in the Manipuri calendar, Mera Houchongba serves as a platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of mutual understanding and respect among the various ethnic groups of Manipur. It is a time when traditional gifts are exchanged, cultural performances are shared, and community feasts are held.

Mera Houchongba has a history dating back to the ancient times of Manipur's kingdom. The festival originated as a royal ceremony during which the king would receive representatives from the hill areas, exchange gifts, and strengthen political and social bonds.

Historically, the festival served as an important administrative and diplomatic event that helped maintain harmony between the valley-dwelling Meiteis and the various hill tribes under the Manipuri kingdom. The king would receive tributes from the hill chiefs, and in return, would present them with gifts and royal favors.

After the merger of Manipur with India in 1949 and the end of the monarchy, the festival continued as a cultural celebration. In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on Mera Houchongba as a symbol of unity and integration among Manipur's diverse communities.

Mera Houchongba celebrations include various traditional practices and cultural exchanges:

• Exchange of Gifts: Representatives from hill and valley communities exchange traditional gifts, symbolizing friendship and mutual respect.
• Cultural Performances: Various ethnic groups perform their traditional dances and music, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Manipur.
• Traditional Sports: Demonstrations of traditional sports and games from different communities are held.
• Community Feast: A grand feast featuring dishes from both hill and valley cuisines is prepared and shared among participants.
• Traditional Rituals: Various traditional rituals that symbolize unity and harmony are performed.
• Exhibition of Arts and Crafts: Displays of traditional arts, crafts, and textiles from different communities showcase the cultural richness of Manipur.
• Discussions and Dialogues: In modern celebrations, discussions on cultural preservation, social harmony, and development issues are often included.

Mera Houchongba feasts feature a variety of traditional dishes from both hill and valley cuisines:

• Valley Cuisine: Traditional Meitei dishes like Eromba (a dish made with boiled vegetables, fermented fish, and chili), Chamthong (vegetable stew), and various fish preparations.
• Hill Cuisine: Traditional dishes from various hill tribes, including smoked meat preparations, bamboo shoot dishes, and fermented soybean preparations.
• Rice Varieties: Different varieties of rice, including the black rice (Chak-hao) that is special to Manipur.
• Traditional Beverages: Various traditional beverages, including rice beer from hill communities (for those who consume alcohol).