In the Meetei calendar of Kangleipak (Manipur), Lamta heralds the arrival of the last month of the year, marking the onset of a joyous and festive season. This vibrant period is characterized by a rich tapestry of cultural celebrations, sporting events, and communal gatherings that bring communities together in a spirit of unity and camaraderie.
Yaoshang: A Colorful Start to Lamta
The festivities of Lamta kick off with Yaoshang, a five-day festival that combines religious rituals with playful revelry. During Yaoshang, the streets of Manipur come alive with vibrant colors as people engage in traditional folk dances like Thabal Chongba and Holi. Thabal Chongba, a traditional folk dance, takes center stage during Yaoshang, as young men and women gather in open spaces under the soft glow of lanterns to dance and sing to the beat of drums. This ancient dance form, characterized by graceful movements and intricate footwork, symbolizes the joy and vitality of spring and serves as a vibrant expression of Manipuri culture. Holi, where people smear each other with colorful powders and water. It is a time for young and old alike to let loose and celebrate the arrival of spring with exuberance and joy.
Sports and Games: A Test of Skill and Strength
As Lamta unfolds, the sporting spirit takes center stage with a plethora of traditional games and competitions held across the region. From indigenous sports like Yubi Lakpi (Manipuri rugby) and Mukna (traditional wrestling) to modern events like football and athletics and many other outdoor and indoor games. Mukna, a traditional form of wrestling, showcases the strength and agility of Manipuri athletes as they grapple and vie for supremacy on the sandy ground. Yubi Lakpi, also known as Manipuri rugby, sees teams of players engage in a spirited game of tag, using a greased coconut as the ball. Indigenous sports includes more like Fibul Habi, Khut okpi, Marum Konbi etc. Meanwhile, football enthusiasts gather at local grounds to cheer on their favorite teams in friendly matches. These sporting events not only entertain the crowds but also foster a sense of community pride and unity.
Marriage Season and Culinary Delights
Lamta is also a popular time for weddings in Manipur, as families come together to celebrate the union of couples amidst the backdrop of lush greenery and blooming flowers. After months of cultivation, the harvest season yields a bounty of fresh produce, which is lovingly prepared into mouthwatering dishes to be shared with guests at wedding feasts. A grand wedding feast is organised at the bride's residence on the fifth day of marriage locally called "Mangani Chak Kouba". From aromatic rice dishes like Eromba, Nga Thongba and Chamthong to savory curries and delectable sweets, the culinary offerings of Lamta reflect the abundance of nature and the spirit of generosity that defines Manipuri hospitality.
Cultural Reverence and Traditions
Amidst the festivities, Lamta is also a time for spiritual reflection and reverence. Families visit temples and offer prayers to seek blessings for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead. Traditional rituals and customs are observed with great devotion, symbolizing a deep connection to the land and its heritage.
Lamta Thangja Saroi Khangba is a significant cultural observance in Manipur, marked by the propitiation of evil spirits. It occurs on every Saturday of Lamta, the last month in the Manipuri calendar. On this day, known as ‘Kurak-Lamdaiba’ or ‘Saroi-Ngaroi Khangba,’ people offer flowers, fruits, and vegetables from their gardens, the ritual of offering prayers and seeking blessings from elders, ancestors, and deities for prosperity, health, and happiness in the upcoming year. The offerings are cooked in the temple, shared, and consumed together. Additionally, ‘Amaiba-Amaibi’ and elders offer food to the evil spirits to appease them and prevent harm to humans.
Embrace the spirit of Lamta, a time of vibrant festivities and communal joy in Kangleipak (Manipur). From the colorful celebrations of Yaoshang to the exhilarating sports competitions, Lamta brings communities together in unity and merriment, marking the end of the year with tradition, culture, and anticipation for the days ahead.
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