Yaoshang, Manipur’s Unique Holi: A Blend of Sporting Events, Thabal Chongba and Colours

Known for blending sports with cultural traditions, Yaoshang stands apart from Holi celebrations in other parts of the country.

Yaoshang, Manipur’s Unique Holi: Whole of India celebrates Holi with colours, song and dance and sweets. But Manipur celebrates Holi in a unique manner. The state that is known to be the sports powerhouse of Northeast, celebrates Holi not just by playing with colours, but by organising sporting events across the state.

Known as Yaoshang in Manipur, the festival of colours is being celebrated with renewed energy and excitement. Known for blending sports with cultural traditions, Yaoshang stands apart from Holi celebrations in other parts of the country.

This year, local clubs and communities have already begun organising sports meets across the state, setting the stage for an action-packed and joyful festival.

Yaoshang, Manipur’s Unique Holi, celebrated at the onset of spring, is one of the most anticipated festivals. While Holi is marked by the throwing of colours in other parts of India, Manipur’s celebration is deeply rooted in sports and fitness. Local clubs in every locality are hosting sports events that bring together people of all ages, fostering a sense of unity and friendly competition.

The sports meets feature a wide range of events, including long marathons, half marathons, athletics, football matches, and indoor games. Participants range from young children to senior citizens, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere. The events also include entertainment programs and cultural performances, adding to the festive mood.

The All Manipur Working Journalists Union has also kicked off its annual sports meet as part of this year’s festival celebrations. The event began today, bringing together journalists from across the state to compete in various sports among members of the press.

District administrations, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, are also hosting sports meets at various relief camps as part of the Holi festival celebrations. These events are being held under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme and the No to Drugs, Yes to Life initiative. Several entertaining activities have been organised during the sports meets, bringing smiles to the faces of internally displaced persons (IDPs). After the crisis in Manipur since May 3, 2023, more than 60,000 people have been displaced and are currently staying in relief camps.

The sports meets not only bring people together but also promote discipline and a healthy lifestyle. It’s a great way to keep the youth away from harmful habits and encourage them to focus on fitness.

The sports meet has also been credited with reducing incidents of crime and substance abuse during the Holi or Yaoshang celebration period. By engaging young people in structured and competitive activities, the festival helps in maintaining social harmony and discipline. The excitement for Yaoshang is building across Manipur as communities come together to prepare for the grand celebration.

Another key highlight of Holi or Yaoshang is “Thabal Chongba”, a traditional Manipuri folk performance in the evenings. In this Thabal Chongba, boys and girls form a circle, hold hands, and dance to rhythmic music under the moonlight. Thabal Chongba, which means “moonlight dance,” symbolises social harmony and togetherness, making it an essential part of the Yaoshang celebration. The dance not only provides entertainment but also serves as a way for young people to connect and strengthen community bonds.

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