IMPHAL, Nov 17 - The people of Manipur, particularly those living in the valley districts, today celebrated Ningol Chakkouba, one of the biggest festivals of the State. But unlike in the previous years, the festival was celebrated with adequate precautions this time around in the wake of the current COVID-19 situation.
The festival marks a special day for married women in the Manipuri society as they visit their parental homes, dressed in their finest attire and carrying assorted goodies. In return, they also receive gifts from their parents and brothers.
Ningol Chakkouba is celebrated on the second day of the lunar month of �Hiyanggei� (October-November) to renew and strengthen familial bonds. �Ningol� means daughter and �Chakkouba� means invitation to the mother�s house for lunch.
On this day, a special feast is hosted for the daughters at their mapam (parental place). The menu mostly comprises different dishes of fish curry.
Meanwhile, the annual fish fair-cum-sale was organised by the State Fishery Department at Mapal Kangjeibung here, where different fish varieties, including indigenous fishes, were sold at rates fixed by the Government.
Earlier, Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, other ministers and the Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, Yumnam Khemchand, greeted the people on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba.