'Ningol Chakouba' festival in Manipur

'Ningol Chakouba' festival, invitation of married sisters and daughters to parental house for a grand feast, is being celebrated throughout Manipur.

Women clad in traditional attire with their children were seen going to their parental house to meet their brothers and father early in the morning.

Official sources said state fishery department had organised a temporary fish market at Imphal Hapta Kangjeibung (a playground) to sell fish at cheaper rates yesterday here where thousands of people came to purchase for today's festival.

The government has also declared a holiday today for the festival.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in their messages conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people.

They said the festival would reinforce the fraternal and protective bond that exists between brothers and sisters.

Several valley-based civil organisations also invited sisters and brothers from hill areas for the feast on this occasion, reports said.