Kang Chingba fest begins in Manipur

IMPHAL, Jun 30  – The week-long Rath Yatra celebration in Manipur, popularly known as Kang Chingba, began with pomp and gaiety here today.

The main events of the festival includes the pulling of Kang, the traditional chariot and offering of flowers and fruits to Shree Shree Jagannath.

The pulling of Kang accompanied by a band party was held at Shree Shree Govindajee temple complex here in Imphal East district. A large number of devotees turned up in their traditional festival attires at the Palace Gate and temple to take part in the festival despite a downpour.

The ISKCON temple authority in Imphal also celebrated the festival by pulling Orrisa’s Puri-type mini Kang along the Airport road.

Besides, the Hindu-inhabited localities of the State also celebrating Kang Chingba festival, besides holding religious rituals in the evenings at mandaps and community halls. The festival, which will conclude on July 7, will also witness daily community feasts.