The Yaosang festival is a significant festival celebrated in Manipur, India. The festival is celebrated over five days during the full moon day of the Lamda month (February-March) and is a crucial part of the indigenous traditions of the Meitei people. The festival begins just after sunset in every village with the Yaosang Mei thaba, which is the burning of the straw hut.
Thabal Chongba: A Traditional Manipuri Dance
One of the most popular activities during the Yaosang festival is Thabal Chongba. It is a traditional Manipuri dance where boys and girls dance together in a circle, holding hands. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments such as the dholak, pena, and lemba. The dance is performed in the moonlight, and the participants are dressed in their traditional attire.
Sports Competitions: Mukna Kangjei
Another essential part of the Yaosang festival is sports competitions. Mukna Kangjei is one such competition, which is a combination of hockey and wrestling. The game is played with a small, hard ball made of bamboo roots, and the players use long sticks to hit the ball. The game requires great physical strength and agility, and it is a popular sport in Manipur.
Pana Sankirtana: A Form of Traditional Music
Pana Sankirtana is a form of traditional music performed during the Yaosang festival. It is a devotional music that is sung in praise of Lord Krishna. The music is played using traditional instruments such as the dholak, kartal, and mridang. The performers are dressed in their traditional attire, and they sing and dance in unison. The music is believed to have a therapeutic effect and is said to heal the mind and body.
Celebrations and Rituals
The Yaosang festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Manipur. During the festival, people visit their relatives and friends, exchange gifts and sweets, and offer prayers to their deities. The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and it is a time for thanksgiving for the good harvest.
Burning of the Straw Hut
The Yaosang festival begins with the burning of the straw hut, which is known as the Yaosang Mei thaba. The hut is built with straw and wood, and it is set on fire to symbolize the destruction of evil forces. The villagers dance around the burning hut and offer prayers for peace and prosperity.
Traditional Cuisine
The festival is also a time for traditional cuisine, and people prepare a variety of dishes using local ingredients. One of the most popular dishes during the Yaosang festival is the Kangsoi, which is a soup made with fish, vegetables, and spices. Other popular dishes include Chamthong, a vegetable stew, and Singju, a salad made with vegetables and herbs.
