In the next 24 hours Manipur will witness the biggest festival. But we need not ponder too much about the financial involvement in arranging the festival. Because Ningol chakkouba can be arranged by spending a few hundreds of rupees. If you are a poor man you should boldly tell your sister, daughter or aunt how you are going to arrange the grand feast at home. We have seen some ultra modern families offering chicken curry to the invitees. Chicken is less expensive and the question of bone remaining stuck in the throat is also nil. There is no complaint from the invitees. What is required is the understanding between the host and the invitees. After all it is purely family affairs; no stranger will attend such function held at home. Why should one feel ashamed of relishing the food presented by the closest family members? Just three items of fishes cooked in different styles will make the sumptuous meal. One fried fish, another cooked with gravies and the last one fish chopped into small pieces and cooked with minimum quantity of water. Yes some rich men add special fish curry made with other varieties. But too many curries spoil the nicety of the dish. Someone said he felt vomiting on seeing man or woman pulverising rice with fish curry. He stops eating if he happens to glance anyone doing that at any of the grand feast. No sister hopes to eat more at paternal home than they eat at their new home. The significance of the occasion is not the feast. It is a part of the festival. If you are a poor man why should you think of giving costly items as gifts? Sisters know your capability. Don’t be hesitant to present a simple phanek to your lovely sister; she will readily and happily accept your gift and blessing will come down showering, that is all. Manipuri women are very understanding. They do not demand something one cannot afford to give. After all gifts are personal it is not for showing even to the nearest companion. Let us assume your corrupt father presenting you something that you never thought of, will you tell your neighbours all that you have received. Ningol chakkouba, which is held once in a year, is a festival for rejoicing not for crying. It has nothing to do with one’s pennilessness. If you do not have anything to arrange a proper meal presentable to a visiting sister you can frankly admit to her your inability to do it. She will not say anything. But that will not happen in Manipur. This is Manipur. There is no barrier between the rich and the poor in Manipur. Therefore Ningol chakkouba must be held in a grandeur manner with nobody shedding tears for not being able to present the gift of his her choice. If Manipur marriage style is beautiful with dowry playing insignificant role Ningol chakkouba like other festivals need not create a fuss. Let it come, let it go. This is part of life. We long to see it again and again. Let this year Ningol chakouba foster the relation between brothers and sisters. Let it bring peace in this troubled torn land.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ningol-chakkouba-festival/
