When is Mera Chaoren Houba?
Mera Chaoren Houba is a regional public holiday in the Indian state of Manipur. It takes place on the first day of the month of Mera Tha, the seventh month in the Manipuri Lunar calendar.
Traditions of Mera Chaoren Houba
Mera Chaorel Houba or Mera Chaoren Houba is an ancient Meitei religious festival, dedicated to the Lord Lainingthou Sanamahi, the supreme deity of the household, and Leimarel Sidabi, the goddess of earth, nature, and mother goddess of all creations in the entire Universe.
It is celebrated by the Meitei people and the indigenous tribal communities of the hills.
The main location of the festival is the Kangla Palace and the Sanamahi Temple, Imphal West district, Manipur, where devotees offer fruits, vegetables, rice, and especially lights and incense at the temple. They seek blessings for good health and prosperity.
The sacred water from the Nungjeng Pukhri, Kangla Palace is also collected and offered to the deities at the temple.
