IMPHAL, March 9 � People here mostly Hindus are celebrating the festival of colour, popularly known as Yaoshang in Manipur, by setting up traditional Yaoshang, a hut made of straw and bamboo, this evening.
The festival which marks the rejuvenation of the spirit of life and is celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm, commemorates the birthday of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The festival which began here on the full Moon day of the Meitei Lunar month of Lamta (February-March) is celebrated for five days.
The highlight of the festivities, celebrated mostly in the valley area by the Meiteis, is collection of donation from households by pre-puberty young boys and girls dressed in their fineries, playing with colours and water.
The main highlight of the festival include the Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri folk dance where boys and girls hold hands, sing and dance in a circle. The festival will conclude on March 12.
A festive mood filled the air here in the State capital with the children running around playing colours while the youths organised sports meets. On the first day of the festival on Thursday, the members of local clubs here thronged the historic Kangla Fort to collect the sacred fire for their torch rallies as part of the opening of sports activities.
