Ningol Chakouba is one of the popularly celebrated festivals in the state(Manipur) which falls on the second lunar day of the Manipuri calendar’s Hiyangei month.
Ningol, signifying daughters and Chakouba meaning ‘invitation for the feast’, the festival is the one where the married and unmarried daughters are invited by the male member of their paternal family.
This Manipuri festival is celebrated in the entire Manipur region as well as other regions of Manipuri settlement. Though originally celebrated by the Meitei people, now it is celebrated by every ethnic group in Manipur. It is also celebrated by the Manipuri diaspora. Brothers are being blessed by sisters on this special day. The married ladies are invited to their paternal families for a feast (Chakouba) to be had together with their brothers (especially) and other family members. After the feast, they are given gifts by their brothers, father, uncles, (any other male family members), etc. as a token of love. Women also bring sweets and savouries as a warm gesture to their family.
Manipur is a place of abundant natural beauty and a colourful society of multiple ethnic communities living together with their variety of cultures and traditions. Numerous social festivals and ceremonies have been witnessed by the Manipuri people throughout their history keeping them united with a bond of love and responsibility.
It strengthens the bond of affection among the brothers and sisters, daughters, and parents of a family.
The history of Ningol Chakouba dates back to the time when King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba ruled in Manipur. Queen Laisana used to invite her brother Poireiton to the King’s palace for a feast once a year, known as Piba (brother/son) Chakouba rather than Ningol Chakouba. But the tradition changed during the time of King Chadrakirti Singh (1831-1886) in the 19thcentury. He invited his sisters to the feast as it was difficult for him to visit their places in one day. Thus, the tradition changed to Ningol Chakouba since then and continued to become an integral part of Manipur’s rich culture and tradition.
On this joyous day of Ningol Chakouba, daughters come to their parental home in a festive mood and much emotions to be reunited with other members of the family. Every woman wears the finest of traditional and ethnic clothes, brings fruits and sweets to be shared with the family, and cherishes the beautiful moments of childhood when she once lived with her brothers, sisters, and parents.
The preparation of Ningol Chakouba begins in fact days ahead; the members of every family eagerly look forward to this day to meet and greet their daughters and sisters with gaiety. They prepare various mouth-watering dishes with much love and effort for the grand feast.
After having a hearty meal, brothers and parents of the family present gifts to their sisters and daughters, as a token of love, interact and wish for a happy and prosperous life.
In return, ningols show respect and shower blessings on them, and pray for their happiness and longevity. The day ends on a happy note that signifies and strengthens the bond of love among the family members.
The festival is mainly celebrated by the Meiteis but nowadays many other communities also have started to celebrate it as it emphasises the importance of happiness and the reunion of a family in bringing peace and harmony to society.
The State government has declared Ningol Chakouba a State holiday as the spirit of the festival encourages unity and prosperity in the society and lives of Manipuri people.
Ningol Chakouba Message Wishes
“Ningol Chakouba Wishes 2022 Message
Warm Greetings and good wishes to the people of the State on the joyous occasion of Ningol Chakouba”
“Celebrated in the theme of strengthening of bond of love between married away ladies (Ningols) and her parental home, Ningol Chakouba as a festival has special place in the heart and soul of every Manipuris.
Wishing all a very Happy”
“Special wishes to all the Ningols who are celebrating the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba”
“Happy Ningol Chakouba!
May the beautiful festival strengthen the bond between every brother and sister everywhere”
“Wish u a very happy NINGOL CHAKOUBA to all the brother n sisters.This auspicious day will bring unforgotable moments/relation each other.Proud to be manipuri”
“A Very Happy Ningol Chakouba to all my Manipuri friends.
Ningol means married women and Chakouba is calling for a meal. In this festival, married women wearing traditional attire along with their children go their parental houses to dine together.”