Torch rally for sports event mark the beginning of Yaoshang Festival

Imphal, March 2: While the rest of the country today begins the celebration of the Festival of colours- popularly called Holi, the state of Manipur begins its celebration with thousands of children running torch rally wearing colourful dress.
The festival originally signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
The culture part to mark the beginning of Yaoshang, the largest festival of Manipur is also not left out by Hindus of the state. Small huts were built at each locality and burnt to mark the beginning of the festival.
Unlike in other state , the way Manipur celebrate Yaoshang is unique and different. Thabal Chongba or moonlight dance is performed in each locality. Playing with colour is also perform at Shri Shri Govindaji Temple as rituals. Earlier playing with colour was practice during Yaosang to the people of the state but the trend has change. Yaoshang is more a festival of sports in Manipur but without losing the spirit of Culture.
AIR report added that Holi is being with great enthusiasm and energy in Mumbai and other parts. In Uttar Pradesh, police have made elaborate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident during the festival.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people on the occasion.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also conveyed her greetings to fellow citizens.
As Yaoshang begins almost all newspapers except Sanaleibak daily will stop publication for 5 days starting from today. Imphal Times, with no option also will stop publication from tomorrow till March 6, 2018.