Imphal, Oct. 31: Ningol Chakouba, one of the biggest festivals of the Meiteis was celebrated amid communal harmony and merry-making in different parts of the state.

Women from the Muslim and tribal communities dined together in the feasts which made the occasion all the more unique and special.

During the festival, married women visit their parental homes and take part in the community feasts with their relatives. Parents and brothers shower them with gifts.

Several social organisations and student bodies played a key role in ensuring that the festival turned into a campaign for strengthening ties of communities living in Manipur.

Despite apprehensions of violence by the Okram Ibobi Singh government, in view of the Assam serial blasts and the recent Ragailong blast, the day passed off peacefully without any untoward incident.

However, the police and security forces chose not to take chances, keeping strict vigil, particularly in the valley.

The Mapi Council invited women from various communities and entertained them at the Imphal palace. About 100 women from different communities took part in the feast and were presented with innafi (clothes worn by the women).

“The objective of hosting the feast today is to send the message that though we belong to different communities, we are one and united. This will strengthen the bond of love among the communities,” Hareshwar Goswami, advisor of the council said.

Rukshar Choudhury, a Muslim social worker said, “We had a great time together at the palace. I also met new friends there. The festival has certainly brought communities together. This is good for all the communities and I am grateful to the organisers”.

“Ill-treatment of women has become common in today’s society. But all the men that we met here have shown sisterly love to us. This change in their attitude towards women during the festival is welcome. I wish this continues in future as well,” she said.

K. Gangte, a tribal woman said such festivals would help maintain communal harmony in Manipur. The All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation, All Manipur Students Union, United Peoples Front and National Identity Protection Committee organised the festival at different places including Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel districts.