When is Yaosang?
Yaosang is celebrated for five days starting on the full moon day in the month of Lamda, which means it usually falls in late February or March and falls on the same day as Holi. The second day of Yaosang is a public holiday in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur.
Traditions of Yaosang
Yaosang is a folk festival observed by the Meitei people, the largest ethnic group in Manipur. It has been celebrated for about three centuries and over that time it has evolved from a tribal agricultural festival absorbing Hindu influences.
For instance, falling on the same day as Holi, Yaosang shares some elements such as the burning of a fire on the night before.
During the festival, donations are collected from house to house and the money is spent on parties and feasts.
A unique feature of Yaosang is the Thabal Chongba, a Manipuri folk dance in which boys and girls hold hands and dance under the moonlight in traditional clothing.
Another Meitei element is the focus on traditional sports such as wrestling and horse-riding. This love of sport should come as no surprise as the Meitei gave the world the sport of polo.
