The Meetei community observed the annual ritual festival of “Mera Kwak Tanba” or the Crow Freeing Festival with traditional fervor today, aimed at bringing prosperity to the region. The festival, which has been celebrated since time immemorial, takes place on the 10th lunar day of the Mera Month according to the Meitei calendar.
The titular king of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba, led the ceremonial procession from the Sana Konung (Royal Palace) to WAL United Youth’s Club in Imphal East, accompanied by religious and cultural leaders, including Angom Ningthou and other key figures from traditional institutions like Amaiba Loisang and Pena Loisang.
The event featured various cultural performances, including traditional dances, and culminated in the release of a crow, symbolizing freedom and fortune. After the crow was set free, the high-ranking priest, Lalon Hanjaba, interpreted its flight direction to predict the future, offering insight into the region’s prosperity in the coming year.
