Why in news?
Mera Hou Chongba Festival 2025 was celebrated on 7th October at Kangla Fort and the Royal Palace in Imphal, Manipur, with wide participation by all indigenous communities, including both hill and valley groups. 
 
Key Features

• It is held annually on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei calendar.

• The festival takes place mainly at the Sana Konung (Royal Palace), Imphal.
• Major rituals include Mera Thaomei Thanba (lighting of ceremonial fire), gift exchange (Mera Yenkhong Tamba), and offering a ritual drink (Mera Men Tongba).
• All indigenous communities of Manipur—Meitei and various Naga tribes—participate, making it the state's only festival inclusive of every group.

Historical and Social Significance

• The roots of Mera Hou Chongba are linked to early Manipur legends and the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
• Traditionally, it reinforces the idea of unity across Manipur's ethnic and geographic diversity, acting as a peace-building platform in times of community tension.

The festival's backstory involves an ancient custom where valley dwellers and hill tribes signaled their well-being to each other by lighting fires—now evolved into a public celebration.

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