Manipur’s Yaoshang festival begins: Yaoshang, Manipur‘s version of Holi, which lasts for five days, has begun. On the full moon of Lamta (February–March) in the Meitei lunar calendar, the event is observed annually. Yaosang, also known as the Burning of the Straw Hut, begins shortly after dusk and is immediately followed by Yaoshang. In a practise known as “nakatheng,” children solicit financial gifts from their neighbours.
March 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Manipur celebrates Yaoshang differently than Holi, with a traditional touch. Manipur comes to life throughout the course of these five days with traditional “thabal chongba” dance in the evening and sporting events during the day. A typical Meitei dance called the thabal chongba involves boys and girls dancing in a circle on an open field. However, the Thabal Chongba is now performed throughout the Lamta month. Yaoshang halts all business operations and public transportation. There will be a complete closure of all public and private educational institutions.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Manipur Capital: Imphal (Executive Branch);
- Manipur Official animal: Sangai;
- Manipur Official flower: Lilium mackliniae;
- Manipur Official tree: Phoebe hainesiana.
