The five-day Yaoshang festival, celebrated at the time of Holi, is mainly associated with which state?

Yaoshang is the most important festival of the Meitei people of Manipur. It is celebrated for five days, beginning on the full moon day of the month of Lamta (Phalguna, February-March), at the same time as Holi in the rest of India, and it is often called the Manipuri Holi.

Yaoshang combines the celebration of Holi with Manipur's own traditions. On the first evening, a small hut made of straw and bamboo, called the "yaoshang mei thaba", is burnt, similar to the Holika Dahan bonfire. Children go from house to house collecting money and gifts, a custom called "nakatheng". People play with colours and visit temples, especially the Shri Govindaji temple in Imphal, singing devotional songs.

The best-known feature of Yaoshang is the Thabal Chongba, a traditional folk dance held in the moonlit nights of the festival. In this dance, young men and women hold hands and dance in a circle to the music of folk songs and drums. "Thabal" means moonlight and "Chongba" means dance. In the past, it was one of the few occasions when young men and women could meet and dance together openly.

In recent years, Yaoshang has also become a festival of sports. Many localities organise sports competitions, such as races, football, tug-of-war and other games, for people of all ages, which has made it a festival of fitness and community spirit as well.

Other important festivals of Manipur include Lai Haraoba, Cheiraoba (New Year), Kut, Lui-Ngai-Ni, Gaan-Ngai and the Sangai Festival.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Assam celebrates Holi as the Doul Utsav.
• ✗Tripura is known for Kharchi Puja and Garia Puja.
• ✗Sikkim is known for Losoong and Saga Dawa.