Violence-Hit Manipur's Mega 5-Day Holi Muted, Colourless This Year
NDTV
Muted Holi in Manipur: Yaosang is especially popular with children. Every year, they wait patiently for Yaosang to arrive so they could participate in their favourite segment of the festival on the first day of the celebrations
Violence-hit Manipur saw a muted Holi, or Yaosang, this year. One of the biggest festivals of the Meitei community, a majority of them Hindus, its scale is such that the Meiteis celebrate Yaosang for five days. The celebrations are dominated by community sports events such as football, marathon, volleyball, etc which comes naturally in the state that has given world champion athletes despite its relatively small population. Wishing everyone on the auspicious occasion of Yaoshang. Though there won't by much celebration in Manipur, I hope that it brings happiness and prosperity amongst you all. Happy Holi. pic.twitter.com/l6zLySasUl
With over 50,000 people including members of the Kuki-Zo tribes internally displaced across the state and living in harsh conditions in relief camps, the Meitei community has held back on celebrating the spring festival of colours this year.
"A symbolic Yaosang is what the Meitei people want. The festivities may be done away with this year. But Yaosang marks the coming of spring, of being together, of generosity and community work," Elizabeth Kh, a social sector professional from Manipur, told NDTV.
