The legacy of ‘Heikru Hidongba’, passed down since 948 AD in Manipur, was ceremoniously performed on Wednesday in Imphal with the ritualistic boat race known as ‘Heiyang Tanaba’ at the moat of Sangolband Bijoy Govinda Leikai.
Embracing the rich legacy, the 247th ‘Heikru Hidongba’ ceremonious event was attended by Manipur’s First Lady, Jyoti Grover Bhalla, along with MLA of Sagolband AC, RK Imo Singh. A large number of people from Imphal also gathered to witness the ritualistic boat race ‘Heiyang Tanaba’ at the moat of Sangolband Bijoy Govinda Leikai in Imphal.
The event was first performed during the reign of Maharaja Irengba to foster peace and prosperity, and further refined by Maharaja Bhagya Chandra (1748–1799), finding its permanent home at the moat of Sagolband. ‘Heikru Hidongba’, which symbolizes the concepts of creation, unity, and prosperity, is an ancient socio-cultural event performed annually on the 11th day of the Meitei Calendar month ‘Langban’ (September), accompanied by religious rituals and traditional customs.
