Manipur celebrates first day of Kang (Rath Yatra)

The annual Kang Festival, Manipur’s version of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, commenced today with grandeur and devotion as devotees pulled the chariots carrying the sacred idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets of Imphal and other parts of the state.
Marking the significance of the day, the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, visited the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal and offered prayers on the occasion. The Governor prayed for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Manipur and extended his greetings to the citizens on this auspicious occasion.
The largest and most prominent Rath Yatra was held at the historic Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, located in the heart of Imphal. Considered the centre of Vaishnavite culture in the region, the temple drew large crowds of worshippers who participated in the ceremonial pulling of the chariot, known locally as “Kang.” Devotees offered fruits, flowers, sweets, and prayers to the deities at every stop along the procession route.
Apart from Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, the festival was also observed at other important Vaishnavite centres including Shree Shree Bijoy Govinda Temple, ISKCON Imphal (Radha Krishnachandra Mandir, Sangaiprou), and various Leikais (localities) across the valley. The ISKCON Rath Yatra procession travelled up to Keishampat Junction before returning to its base, accompanied by Sankirtana, Aarti, and devotional offerings.
Men, women, children, and the elderly participated with fervent devotion, braving the scorching summer heat to be part of the spiritual celebration. In line with traditional Meitei Vaishnavism, houses along the procession route, offerings of seasonal fruits and sweets were made to the passing chariot.
The festival is not limited to the day-time procession alone. Every night during the eight to ten days of the Kang Festival, temples and mandaps across Manipur reverberate with Jayadev Chongba—a unique form of devotional Sankirtana performed by men and women in separate circles. This form of Sankirtana, performed to the rhythmic beats of the Pung (Manipuri mridanga), reflects the deep-rooted Vaishnavite traditions of the state. Dressed in traditional attire, women and young girls also perform devotional dances following the Sankirtana, adding to the festive ambience.
Another integral part of the festival is the distribution of Prasadam, particularly Khichadi served on lotus leaves, which symbolizes purity and tradition. The meal is distributed by Brahmin volunteers to all attendees, transcending caste, gender, and age barriers—reflecting the inclusive spirit of Lord Jagannath.
The Kang festival in Manipur, introduced in the early 18th century during the reign of King Charairongba, has since evolved into a deeply spiritual and community-centric celebration, blending Meitei customs with Vaishnavite practices. Every year, the date of the festival is determined based on the lunar calendar and guidance from astrologers.