The Lai Haraoba festival, the 'merrymaking of the gods', is celebrated by the Meitei community of which state?

Lai Haraoba is the most important ritual festival of the Meitei people of Manipur. The name means "the merrymaking (or pleasing) of the gods" ("lai" means god and "haraoba" means merrymaking). It is usually celebrated in April-May, in the spring, although the exact time varies from one village or deity to another.

Lai Haraoba is held to honour and please the Umang Lai, the traditional forest deities and ancestral gods of the Meiteis, who are believed to protect the villages, clans and lands. It is based on the ancient Meitei religion (Sanamahism) and is believed to be older than the arrival of Hinduism in Manipur. The festival re-enacts the story of the creation of the universe, the earth, the human body and the development of human civilisation, such as the building of houses, weaving and farming, according to Meitei mythology.

The festival is led by the "maibis" (priestesses) and "maibas" (priests), who perform rituals, sing songs and dance in honour of the deities. The maibis, dressed in white, perform graceful and sacred dances, which are believed to be the origin of the classical Manipuri dance. The festival also includes the "Laibou Jagoi", a series of dances that depict creation and the activities of daily life, performed by the people of the village, and the singing of the "Ougri", an ancient sacred song. The festival lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on the deity and the village.

Lai Haraoba is regarded as the foundation of Manipuri culture and dance. Other major festivals of Manipur include Yaoshang (the Manipuri Holi), Cheiraoba (the New Year), Ningol Chakouba, Kut, Lui-Ngai-Ni and the Sangai Festival.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Tripura celebrates Kharchi Puja and Garia Puja.
• ✗Assam celebrates Bihu and other tribal festivals.
• ✗Mizoram celebrates Chapchar Kut and Pawl Kut.