Heikru Hitongba

An ancient annual festival of Manipur associated with historical events, after the celebration of which the king of fruits Amla could be eaten by the people. Two brothers on two long boats, adorned with the fruit Amla, with their favorite oarsmen compete for a race in the historical moat at BijoyGovinda Thangapat, Imphal West, Manipur with a gala thronging of spectators amidst much pomp and grandeur. Traditionally, the outcome of the race forecast the future of the land for the next year. It was believed taboo to eat the fruit before Heikru Hitongba (literally meaning the fruit boarding a long boat).

Last year's documents of this festival were only rains, rains and rains with the race conducted in the late evening with virtually no sunlight. However, today's have some spectacular dramatic developments in the sky, as a sort of compensation for last year's futile attempts. Hoped the festival started earlier when the sun's rays were still available (before it sunked behind the urban landscape throwing the moat into some dark ravine)!