It’s Kang Festival, Manipur’s Yath Ratra

IMPHAL | July 15, 2018:

The Hindu festival of Rath Yatra is celebrated in Manipur as 'Kang Chingba' or simply 'Kang' Festival and is one of the most important festivals among the Hindus of Manipur. Here are few facts about the festival.

• Kang Festival mainly takes place at Shree Govindajee Temple, Imphal, the largest one in the state. Kang Festival is celebrated for a span of 10 days in Manipur during the month of June or July and is usually held on the second new moon of Inga (according to Meitei calendar).

Hundreds of devotees pull the Kang at Shree Govindajee Temple, Imphal on Saturday. (UB Photo)

• According to legends, during the festival, Lord Jagannath leaves his abode at the temple and travels in a car that is pulled by devotees and pilgrims. The car in which the Lord travels is called 'Kang' in Manipuri, thus the word is derived from this.

• The procession follows with music of bells, pung (drums), nahal, gongs and moibung (conch) while the devotees sing devotional songs and dance. There are offerings of barti (short sticks wrapped in cotton and soaked in ghee), flowers, fruits and other offerings.

Devotees offer barti at the temple. (UB Photo)

• It is believed that it is a blessing and an honour to be able to pull the 'Kang'. It is also believed that pulling the 'Kang' helps relieve ailments from patients suffering from various diseases.

• In the evening, community feasts are arranged in the Mandapas of temples. The Kirtan called 'Khubakisei' is performed by the devotees. Devotees perform "Sankirtana' every night in the Mandap and the Bamons (Brahmans) offer Khechidi with cuisines like eromba, hawai (dal), mixed vegetable curry and much more.