The ‘lai Haraoba’ commenced at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) on Saturday.
The ritualistic activities were carried out at ‘Umang lai’ — the sacred grove of Manipur, in the premises of the Manav Sangrahalaya. lai Haraoba (merry making of God) is the ancient, greatest and richest festival of the Meitei community. A religious event, lai Haraoba is embellished with various ingredients of culture of this community. This event reflects the lifestyle, manners, arts and various aspects of knowledge of the Meitei community.
It is celebrated by different communities and clans with their respective Umang lais known as lainingthou and leimarembis for their blessings and wishes by performing dance and music, costumes, rites and rituals etc. for the creation of the universe by the Creator and Gods to spread the human race in every nook and corner of the world as well as to bring prosperity.
The ritual by Manipur’s priest began with welcoming the dead ancestors to come and bless the people of the community with good health and harvest. The ladies of the community take part in the rituals equally. This ritual is carried out in Manav Sangrahalaya annually according to the Manipuri calendar since its establishment 16 years back.