Imphal, April 09 : The 2nd edition of the Ima Makong Leima Haraoba, one of the most significant cultural festivals of the Manipuri diaspora in Bangladesh, commenced on Wednesday at the Manipuri Cultural Complex, Tetaigoan, Adampur Bazar. The three-day festival will be held from April 8 to April 10, 2026.
The event is being organised by the Manipuri Cultural Complex, Bangladesh, in collaboration with UNESCO, the Bangladesh National Museum, and the Bangladesh Poirei Apokpa Marup Dharmeo Sanskritik Sangstha. Members of the Manipuri community from various parts of Bangladesh are participating in traditional attire.
An 11-member cultural troupe from Manipur, led by noted Guru Mutuwa Bahadur and comprising Maibas, Maibis, and Pena artists, is taking part in the rituals. They are joined by a five-member delegation from the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF), Manipur, led by Secretary Rakesh Naorem. Renowned Manipuri folk singer Benita Laishram is also participating in the festival. Local Bangladeshi residents are contributing through traditional dance performances as offerings to the deity.
Langoljam Jayanta Singh, President of the Manipuri Cultural Complex, Bangladesh, said that the Ima Makong Leima Haraoba was first initiated here in 2025. This year marks the 2nd edition. While Lai Haraoba is celebrated in every locality of our sacred homeland Manipur, the Meitei community has been settled in Bangladesh for over 400 years, yet this ancient ritual had been observed fewer than eight times here until now.
He added that organising this most important festival of the Meiteis in Bangladesh will greatly aid in preserving their traditions, customs, and identity. He appealed to all Manipuris residing in Bangladesh to participate and make this Lai Haraoba a grand success.
Representatives of various community groups residing in Bangladesh and several officials of the Bangladesh Government were present at the inaugural ceremony held today.
The Ima Makong Leima Haraoba is regarded as the oldest ritual festival of the Meitei community, centered on the worship of ancestral deities and the re-enactment of creation myths through dance, music, and oral traditions.
