The Mera Hou Chongba Festive Fair 2026 was inaugurated at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase and sell their handloom and handicraft products ahead of the upcoming Ningol Chakouba festival.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd chairman and MLA Kh. Ibomcha highlighted the importance of promoting locally made handloom and handicraft products, particularly during the festive season.
He said Ningol Chakouba offers an important opportunity for people to gift traditional handloom products made in Manipur to their mothers, sisters and other family members. Such initiatives, he said, would encourage the use of locally produced goods while helping preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Organised by the District Handlooms and Textiles, Imphal East, the fair features 43 stalls displaying a variety of handloom and handicraft products.
Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Mera Hou Chongba, Ibomcha said the festival symbolises the bond between the hill and valley communities of Manipur. He stressed the need to organise events that strengthen this relationship while promoting the state’s traditional products.
He added that the fair would provide women artisans and entrepreneurs from both the hill and valley areas with opportunities to display and sell their products, reach a wider customer base and generate income.
The fair aims to encourage people to purchase locally made products during the festive season while supporting traditional artisans and promoting Manipur’s indigenous handloom and handicraft industries.
The inaugural programme was attended by Kh. Ibomcha, Director of Handloom and Textiles Waikhom Ibohal, HERICOUN president Y. Surjitkumar Khuman and others chief Guest, President and Guests of Honour respectively.