The Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) has called upon the public to celebrate the upcoming Yaoshang festival in a responsible and disciplined manner, free from intoxicating drugs and harmful practices, while ensuring a peaceful environment for students appearing in board examinations.
In a press statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Robert Naorem, the Federation stated that Yaoshang 2026 will commence from March 3 and continue for five days. It observed that over the years, the traditional spirit and cultural essence of the festival have increasingly been overshadowed by the misuse of intoxicants and unhealthy trends carried out in the name of celebration. Such practices, it noted, are adversely affecting young people and contributing to social disorder.
The Federation pointed out that the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, which began in February, will continue through March and April. During this critical academic period, students require a calm and supportive social atmosphere to safeguard their mental and physical well-being. Disturbances arising from excessive celebrations, substance abuse, and unruly behaviour during the festival may negatively impact their performance, it stated.
Expressing concern over the open sale and consumption of intoxicating drugs and alcoholic substances during Yaoshang festivities, the Federation warned that such activities have led to health risks, accidents, immoral conduct, and criminal incidents in the past. It maintained that these trends not only endanger the youth but also weaken the moral foundation of society.
The statement also highlighted noticeable changes in the conduct of Yaoshang Thabal Chongba, particularly the growing trend of organising DJ-based night events at hotels and resorts, which it said distort the traditional character of the festival. The increasing involvement of youths in substance abuse during such gatherings has raised serious concern, it added.
The Federation appealed to local clubs, Meira Paibis, civil society organisations, and the general public to remain vigilant and prevent the circulation and consumption of intoxicants in their respective localities. It urged collective efforts to ensure that Yaoshang is observed peacefully and in accordance with its cultural values.
Further, the Federation sought public cooperation in supporting students appearing for examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur and the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, and in creating a conducive environment for their academic success.