- Manipur’s version of Holi, the Yaoshang festival, has begun.
- Every year on the full moon of Lamta (February-March) in the Meitei lunar calendar, the Yaoshang festival is held.
- It begins shortly after sunset and is followed by Yaosang Mei thaba, also known as the Straw Hut Burning.
- Children, known as nakatheng, go door to door asking for monetary donations.
- In contrast to Holi, Yaoshang is celebrated in Manipur with a traditional twist.
- Manipur comes alive during these five days with sporting events during the day and traditional “thabal chongba” dance at night.
The Thabal Chongba Dance is the main attraction
- The thabal chongba is a Meitei traditional dance in which boys and girls gather in an open field and dance in a circle.
- However, thabal chongba is now performed throughout the month of Lamta.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/yaoshang-festival-begins-in-manipur-8484747/