Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba Explained

See also: Fairs and Festivals in Manipur.

Holiday Name:Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba
Frequency:Annual
Type:Sanamahism
Observances:Grand Chariot housing deity Sanamahi is pulled by the devotees
Longtype:religious
Celebrations:Rice, vegetables and fruits are offered to the deity Lainingthou Sanamahi
Date:ancient period to the 18th century; 2018-present

Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba or Sanamahi Cheng Hongba or Kang Chingba is the religious festival of Meitei people, associated mainly with the public procession with the grand chariot, housing the ancient Meitei deity Lainingthou Sanamahi. The Imphal city serves as the main location of the festival. It attracts thousands of pilgrims who join the procession. The festival was celebrated 350 years ago, and after a long pause, it was first recelebrated in the year 2018.[1] [2] [3]

During the festival, thousands of devotees offer rice, fruits, vegetables, money, along with the traditional rites and rituals to seek blessings from the deity.

Similar festival

Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba is purely a festival of Sanamahism. But after Hindunisation of Meitei society, a similar type of festival was created.[4] [5] [6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ancient Manipur ritual held. www.telegraphindia.com.
  2. Web site: Sanamahi Ahong-Khong Chingba ritual to be organised :: Manipur News | Manipur Daily | Poknapham - Manipuri News!. thepeopleschronicle.in.
  3. Web site: Sanamahee Ahong Khong Chingba observed after 350 years. June 28, 2018.
  4. Web site: Kang Chingba. 2020-09-19. e-pao.net.
  5. Book: Yojana Magazine. Government of India. August 2020. 18.
  6. Web site: Kang Rath Yatra Manipur Kang Chingba Festival Manipur. 2020-09-19. www.tourmyindia.com.