" You must come in March for our Holi festival!" said Dennis.
So in 2016, I decided to go to Manipur, fully planned to be there for YOUSHANG - Manipuri Holi festival, which lasts 5 days around full moon around Holi day , when the whole state is on leave, and different types of celebrations were going around.me phase in my life where I wanted to do a trip to north east of India every year.
So in 2016, I decided to go to Manipur, fully planned to be there for YOUSHANG - Manipuri Holi festival, which lasts 5 days around full moon around Holi day (March), when the whole state is on leave, and different types of celebrations were going around.
As soon as Dennis picked me up from the airport, he confirmed Ranjit, another friend of ours was also joining. I hadnt traveled with either of them before. We just got acquainted the previous year at the ZIRO music festival, and after that this was our first time together, just us. On my way to Dennis's house, where we were invited to stay, I noticed the roads empty and kids running marathons on the road in the afternoon. Curious to the core , I asked Dennis, what is happening, and thats when he recited all the events that happen across theses 5 days.
1. SPORTS and Fun events
Every layout or colony, usually has a ground, and they have their mini olympics there. There is a game for every age and gender, across the day, from running races to skill races, or matches like football, hockey or badminton. At the end of the 5days, they also have the prize distribution presentation.
2. ThabalChongba
A traditional Manipuri folk dance where boys and girls hold hands and sing and dance in a circle. The literal meaning of ThabalChongba is ‘moonlight dance’ and is performed during night time. Strangers and friends alike get along with each other for the dance. They share good moments along with the thumps of music and laughter.
3. HOLI festival of colors
Besides the above mentioned dance and sporty events, they also play HOLI like the rest of the country, with colored powder and interestingly talcum powder too. The roads are anyways not to busy, so there is a small stage arranged with a DJ and loud music. Every one is dancing and spraying water and colors and having a great time !
So, here , this is why going to Manipur for Youshang festival is a great idea, because this state celebrated way different from the other. You might even get a rock concert featuring all the local artists if you are lucky on one of the nights.
Bon Voyage!
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