Celebrated during the Hindu month of Phalguna for a span of 5 days, the Yaosang festival is one of the festivals of Manipur. Yaosang is one of the major festivals of north east India and is celebrated by the Hindus and the indigenous traditions of the Meitei people. Having a close resemblance with the Hindu festival of Holi, Yaosang is also played with colours and is often referred to as the "Holi of Manipur".
Celebration of Yaosang Festival
Traditionally, the Yaosang festival starts after sunset by burning a thatched hut made of hay and twigs. In temples of Lord Krishna devotees sing devotional songs, perform dances and play with colour, wearing traditional white and yellow turbans. On the second day of the festivities, children go around house to house and request for donations called "nakatheng". Local bands also perform sankirtan in the Govindajee Temple in the Imphal East district of the state.
On the last day of the festival processions are taken out to the main temple of Lord Krishna near Imphal where several cultural activities are held. Invented by Meidingu Chinghthang Khomba, also known as Raja Bhagyachandra during his reign as King of Manipur, the Yaoshang is the spring festival which is very important for the Manipuri Hindu community. Another interesting aspect of the Yaosang festival is the Thabal Chongba, which is a Manipuri folk dance where boys and girls form a circle and hold hands and sing and dance. It is performed on the full moon night of Phalgun and is one of the major attractions.
The festival also includes preparation of great local food and sharing them. Yaoshang is celebrated by everyone in Manipur, irrespective of their age and gender.
