A day-long workshop on “Understanding the Ritual Protocols of Lai Haraoba” concluded today under the joint initiative of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board operating under the Art and Culture Department.
The workshop, which began on January 9, was held at the premises of Ema Emoinu Sanggai and Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple at Haying Khongbal. Speaking on the occasion, Member Secretary of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, Maisnam Shivadutta Luwang, stated that the workshop was organised to create clarity and awareness on the traditional practices to be followed and avoided during Lai Haraoba, a sacred festival deeply rooted in Meitei religion and culture.
He said the programme aimed to ensure that rituals associated with Sanamahi worship are performed strictly in accordance with established traditions and spiritual discipline, without deviation or distortion. The workshop was conducted with the objective of reinforcing authentic ritual knowledge and preventing improper practices in religious observances.
Highlighting the role of Ima Maibis and Umang Lai Loishang in preserving indigenous faith and traditions, the Board organised the workshop as part of its broader initiative to strengthen traditional institutions. More than seventy registered Ima Maibis participated in the programme. The Board also noted that Lai Haraoba festivals are conducted not only within Manipur but also in Meitei-inhabited areas outside the state, including Bangladesh, Assam, and Tripura, making the dissemination of correct ritual knowledge increasingly important.
The Board further informed that although the number of registered Amaibas and Amaibis under the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board remains limited, as of the current year, seventy-six Amaibas and one hundred and four Amaibis have been registered at the Pena Seishakloi. The Board also announced plans to publish a book detailing the ritual protocols of Lai Haraoba on the occasion of the upcoming Lainingthou Sanamahi Cheng festival to further institutionalise and preserve traditional knowledge.
The concluding function was attended by Joint Director of Art and Culture Mrinashree Mairembam, Vice President of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board Vidyapati Senjam, and other board members. Certificates were distributed to the participants in recognition of their involvement in the workshop.