Rajkumari Barbina is an Archaeologist, pursuing PhD from Deccan College Pune. She shares her experiences of the RathYatra carried out from Shree ShreeGovindajee Temple, Imphal. Manipur is all set for this year’s RathYatra to be held on 18th July, 2015.
Introduction
The population of the northeastern state of Manipur (lat 23° 50’ and 25° 30’ N, and long 93°10’ and 94°30’ E) consists mainly of the Meiteis, the Nagas, and the Kuki-Chins. The Meiteis were a group of seven (originally nine) yeks or clans, which later came under the more dominant Meitei Ningthoujayek (clan of the Meitei royal family). The Meiteis have their own divinities (lai), and Sanamahi (the supreme deity of the Meiteis which every household worships) is the important deity. In the 18th century, a wave of a new religion (i.e. Hinduism) entered Manipur. It influenced King Charairongba (CE 1697-1709), and his family, into the Vaishnavite fold of Hinduism in CE 1704 (Parrat 2005). The later rulers of Manipur were the great exponents of the religion, and so, the people of the state gradually patronized the religion. During the reign of King Garibaniwaz (CE 1709- 48), the son of Charairongba, it became the state religion. It was during his reign that the Bhakti cult of Vaishnavism coming from Bengalwas given importance (Singh 1993).
RajshriBhagyachandra (CE 1759-60 and CE 1764- 98) was also a great follower of the Vaishnavite sect, and carved wooden images of Krishna, Radha, Madanmohan, and Nityananda (Singh 1993). Brahmins started to come from the west, and settled in Manipur. They were called Nongchup-haram (people from the west). These were the people who again furthered the Vaishnava movement. They built temples and installed images of various Hindu deities, along with Vaishnavite images.
The Jagannath cult gained its importance in Manipur during the reign of GambhirSingh (CE 1825-34). Wooden sculptures of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, were carved and installed for the first time in Manipur during his reign. The festival of Kang or RathYatra took place for the first time in CE 1832.
Various temples of the Vaishnava sect were built by the Meitei rulers, and Shree ShreeGovindajee temple at Imphal is the biggest of its kind in Manipur. Since the installation, Shree ShreeGovindajee became the deity of the royal house. This temple is by far the most important temple in Manipur, and is visited by large number of devotees every day.
Kang or the RathYatra
After the advent of Hinduism, the Vaishnavite fold became more popular in Manipur. The Jagannath cult came into prominence, and the RathYatra came to be celebrated. Kang or RathYatra is one of the biggest festivals of Manipur. The festival starts from the second day of Ingel (Manipuri month during June-July), and is continued till the tenth day of the same month.
The Kang Chingba (pulling of the cart) is held only on the first and last day (Kanglen). On these days, the Kang or cart with the wooden sculptures of Lord Jaganath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra placed in it, is pulled by devotees from the gate of Shree ShreeGovindajee temple with much fanfare, after proper ceremonies. Brahmin households of each locality organize the Kang Chingba in the valley areas of Manipur. The process of the locality Kang can start only after the Kang Chingba of Shree ShreeGovindajee.
The Kang of Shree ShreeGovindajee temple is drawn from the temple gate till the Sanathong (palace gate), and is taken back along the same route. The idols of the three siblings are then brought back to the temple.
The cart drawn by devotees is attended by Brahmins, and a team of musicians with conch, mridanga, and cymbals. Two young girls holding fly whisks act as dwarapaala (door guards). Devotees make offerings of fruits, flowers, incense sticks, and barti, wherever the cart stops. After the arti, fruits are distributed, and the smoke emitted from the half burnt bartis is waved towards the devotees. People believe that getting an opportunity to hold the ropes, and pulling the cart with the idols will wash away all the sorrows. With this belief, people from all walks of life, far and near, throng the route along which the cart with the idols will be drawn.
Every evening for nine days, there is a performance of Jayadev (singing praises of Lord) and KhubakIsei (devotional dance and music) at the mandap of the locality Brahmin, which is followed by distribution of Khechri (rice cooked with pulses), and various side dishes as prasad. Here, the prasad is served in the lotus leaf, which enhances its taste. There is a local belief behind the serving of khechri as prasad. It is believed that Subhadra was asked by her brothers to cook food while they wentout. Frightened by the sound of the sea waves she hurriedly mixed and cooked both rice and pulses in the same pot which turn out to be Khechri. Upon such belief, khechri has become an integral part of the Kang festivities in Manipur.
The twelfth day of Ingel is called HariShayan (the day Hari sleeps according to a legend), and the festivities are completed on that day.
Various seasonal fruits and flowers like pineapple, pear, plum, lotus seeds, lotus flowers, lotus leaves, and garlands of soaked dried peas and paddy grains, are known to be associated with the festival of Kang.
Conclusion
With the advent of Hinduism and the popularity of the Jagannath cult, the RathYatra festival gained momentum among the Vaishnavite communities of Manipur. Kang is considered to be one of the important festivals of the state. The festival is similar with the RathYatra of Puri with a tinge of local influence. Seasonal fruits and flowers adorn the Pujathaali. Both old and young, come out in the streets and takes part in the festivities.
Acknowledgments
I thank Nirjen Sharma, AribamDayanand Sharma, Onel Shambanduram, Deepak Ayekpam, Dennis Elangbam, Dinendra Hijam, and the Manipur Photography Club, for providing me the photographs, and extending help at very short notice.
References
Parrat, S.N.A. 1980. The Religion of Manipur.Guwahati, Delhi: Spectrum Publications.
Parrat, S.N.A. 2005. The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: The CheitharonKumpapa.
Vol.1. London and New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Singh, E. N. 1993. Fragments of Manipuri Culture. New Delhi: Omsons Publications.
Singh, G.P. 2012. Hinduism in Manipur. New Delhi: Gyan Publishing House.
Singh Jhalajit,R.K. 2005. Legends and Festivals, Discovery of North-East India VI (SK
Sharma and Usha Sharma Ed.) New Delhi: Mittal Publications
pp.351-357.
