The annual Kang Festival, Manipur’s own version of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, commenced today with grandeur and deep spiritual fervour as thousands of devotees pulled elaborately decorated chariots bearing the sacred idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets of Imphal and across the valley.
Marking the auspicious beginning of the festival, Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla visited the historic Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal, where he offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the people. He also extended his greetings to the citizens of the state.
The central Rath Yatra celebration unfolded at Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, a prominent Vaishnavite shrine located in the heart of Imphal. Devotees in large numbers took part in pulling the traditional chariot, locally known as “Kang,” and offered seasonal fruits, flowers, sweets, and prayers at various halts along the procession route.
The festival was also celebrated at other significant religious sites, including Shree Shree Bijoy Govinda Temple and ISKCON Imphal (Radha Krishnachandra Mandir, Sangaiprou). The ISKCON chariot procession, accompanied by spirited Sankirtana, Aarti, and devotional chants, reached as far as Keishampat Junction before returning to its temple base.
Despite the sweltering summer heat, men, women, children, and the elderly participated in the celebrations with unflagging devotion. In keeping with Meitei Vaishnavite traditions, households along the procession route made offerings of fruits and sweets to the passing chariots.
The spiritual observance extends beyond the daytime chariot procession. Each evening during the eight to ten-day festival, temples and mandaps across Manipur come alive with Jayadev Chongba, a unique form of devotional Sankirtana performed by men and women in separate circles to the rhythmic beats of the Pung (Manipuri mridanga). The performances, often followed by devotional dances by women and young girls in traditional attire, further enrich the festive atmosphere.
