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Thabal Chongba, a popular Manipuri folk dance, is
associated with this festival. The literal meaning of Thabal is 'moonlight' and
Chongba means 'dance', therefore 'dancing in the moonlight'. In earlier times,
this dance was performed in the moonlight accompanied by folk songs. The only
musical instrument used was a dholakor drum. With the passage of time, modern
bands and fluorescent lamps have replaced the dholak. Traditionally conservative
Manipuri parents did not allow their daughters to go out and meet any young men
without their consent. Thabal Chongba therefore provided the only chance for girls
to meet and talk to the boys. It is performed in every locality on all the six
days of the festival. The celebrations in Manipur are quite different from other
places. Beginning days before, people of all ages collect money from the community
to spend on the festivities. Instead of a fire, a hut is built and then set ablaze.
The next day, boys go in groups to play gulal with the girls. And in return for
playing with them, the girls extract money from the boys. Another significant
feature of the festival in Manipur is the groups of devotees from different areas
who gather at the Shree Govindaji Temple in Imphal. Dressed in the traditional
white and yellow turbans, they sing songs in praise of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
play gulal and dance in front of the temple. On Halangkar, the last day of the
festival, hundreds of devotees gather at the temple as usual and march together
towards the Vijay Govindaji Temple about 3 km west of Imphal where various cultural
activities are performed. This brings to an end the Yaosang festival. |
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