IMPHAL, Jan 2 � The 283rd annual Puya Meithaba (burning of sacred texts) observation organised on an international level under the aegis of the newly-formed International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP) and Meetei National Front for 15 days begins today.
The main function will be held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen. Puya Meithaba was an event when a non-local scholar misled the ruler of the then princely State (Kangleipak) to seize and burn copies of the sacred puya (text), a compilation by scholars and priests of the traditional beliefs, socio-political policies and guidelines on economic sustenance for the land. This happened in 1729.
Besides observing Black Day from January 2 to 7, a State-level painting competition, release of a book by Dr W Romesh, performance of a drama titled Kangla Fambalda Thambal and another courtyard play Kangleipak ta 1709 will mark the fortnight-long observation.
This was disclosed to the media by Namoijam Tomba, chief convenor of the ICOP at a press conference at Manipur Press Club here recently.
A four-day-long discussion on Puya Meithakhibada Meeyamgee wakhallon (people�s sentiment over the burning of the sacred texts) will also be held from January 9 to 12, he added.
