Yaoshang Approaches, but Can We Truly Celebrate?

Yaoshang, the most awaited festival in Manipur, is at our doorstep. It is a time when communities come alive with vibrant celebrations, and children fill the streets with excitement. Sports competitions will be held as usual, bringing neighborhoods together in friendly rivalry. However, this year’s festival will be different. Thabal Chongba, the lively night dance that has long been a hallmark of Yaoshang, is likely to be absent. A decision has been made to halt it by many local clubs and organisations, and one underground group had warned serious consequences if found organizing Thabal Chongba. This raises an even deeper question—can we immerse ourselves in celebration while many among us continue to suffer from the scars of the ongoing conflict?
The past year has been one of immense pain and hardship. Families have been torn apart, homes reduced to rubble, and entire communities forced into relief camps. Those who once celebrated Yaoshang with loved ones under the comfort of their homes now struggle for basic necessities, uncertain about what the future holds. For them, the festival does not bring warmth or excitement. Instead, it starkly contrasts the life they once knew, a time when the absence of lost family members and the uncertainty of displacement weigh heavily on their hearts.
In moments like this, it is essential to ask—what does celebration truly mean? Can we rejoice without acknowledging the suffering of our fellow citizens? Will the colors of Yaoshang conceal the harsh realities of those still struggling to rebuild their lives? These are uncomfortable questions, but they must be addressed if we are to uphold the true essence of our traditions.
This year, Yaoshang must take on a deeper meaning. More than a festival of enjoyment, it should also be an occasion for compassion and solidarity. Instead of extravagant celebrations, efforts should be made to support the displaced, stand by those who have suffered losses, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Community organizations, local clubs, and youth groups can take the lead in making this possible. Relief camps should not be forgotten spaces while the rest of the state moves on with festivities. Small gestures—be it food distribution, organizing cultural programs that include the displaced, or simply spending time with those who have lost their homes—can make a significant difference.
Beyond material aid, Yaoshang should serve as a moment for society to reflect on its collective responsibility. The festival has always been about togetherness, and now more than ever, that spirit must extend to those who have endured the most. While the sports events will continue, the absence of Thabal Chongba itself is a sign that all is not well. The wounds of conflict remain deep, and justice and peace are yet to be achieved.
Celebration does not mean turning away from reality. It means finding ways to bring light into even the darkest moments. This Yaoshang, let the true spirit of community shine—not just in sports and friendly gatherings, but in acts of kindness and understanding that define who we are as a people.