IMPHAL, November 20: The ninth Kangla Day was observed at Kangla Hall today in remembrance of the day the historic Kangla was handed over to the public nine years ago.
Some delegates of the Myanmar team who had come for Manipur Sangai Festival also attended the function. Apart from enjoying the cultural performances, they had a tour of the holy places and relished the scenic beauty there.
Chief guest at the function, parliamentary secretary K Meghachandra recalled that various voices belonging to different communities of the state were raised for handing over of the Kangla Fort to the public. Ultimately, on November 20, 2004, the present Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh handed over the sacred site to Manipur, he stated adding that after a prolonged occupation by the British Empire it came under the control of Assam Rifles who left in 2004.
Every year November 20 has been observed as “Kangla Day” by the Kangla Religious Committee, Imphal,
He said that every community has their own unique history which exists in relic form and holds information of their respective identities. For the Manipuris, Kangla is the place where the history of our kingdom and culture was scripted, he added. He said we need to conserve and protect Kangla, because it is the key to the identity of our community for more than 2000 years. When we talk about the history of Manipur, Kangla is the only witness, he said.
Addressing to the function ADC member of Ukhrul, Filson Y Lunghar, said that he is from Hungdung village of Ukhrul, and from the times of their ancestors his hometown had close link with Kangla.
The elder people told them that during the reign of King Nongda Lairen Pakhagba the Meitei king and the Tangkhul king of Hungdung were brothers, both are very close. The elder stayed in the hills and the younger stayed in the valley.
When they are in the head hunting period they are together and when October month (mera tha) comes the Hungdung Village king looks towards the valley for his brother from the highest peak of the mountain where a stone was kept, locally known as “Kangla Mashi” meaning Kangla View, along with a torch so that his brother may see the light in the hill.
So, in Manipuri mythology, “Mera thangmei” in the month of October month, every night every house in the valley lit a lamp at his courtyard hoisted on a bamboo pole.
K Meghachandra, Filson Y Lunghar and Professor Sairem Nilbir attended as the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
