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The 239th Shri Shri Bijoy Govindaji Heikru Hidongba 2017 organized by Bijoy Govinda Sevayet Committe held on the 2nd September, 2017 at Bijoy Govinda Thangapat, Sagolband, Imphal, Manipur.

HEIKRU HIDONGBA-

The Festival of Heikru Hidongba is performed at themoat of the Bijoy Govinda every year on the 11th day of the Manipuri Calenchar Month Langban with elements of religion, custom and other traditional belief of creation. Historically, it is one of theserviralfestival to bringprospertity to the community which was started during the reign of King Bheigyachandra in 1779 A.D. With the passage of time and through thereignn ofserveral Kings, many changes took. place in thereligions life of theMeheis. Nongpok Leirikhotpba (Anantashai) uncle to the King tried hard to preserve the tradition and to effect an adjustment between the old and the new. Shri, Shri Govindaji, from the royal place coming with customaryriles and rituals after the completion of which it was installed in the new temple dedicatedbv Anantashai at Sagolband. Heikrui Hidongba festival is not performed at any other place than atmoat Bijoy Govinda.

Definition of the Heikru Hidongba

In a twin boat sanctified by the presence of the deity amidst chanting of Sankritana and music, arti is offered. Tengmaileppa (he who takes care of the boat). Hinao Shaba (he who steer the boat) Chang Shaba the who looks after the Tengrnaileppa), Nourungba (he who takes care of leakage of water inside the boat) etc. and Naomang Shaba (he who helps the one who steers the boat) are the main participants of the race who will Put on Ningkham and Shamjin. traditional components of formal dress of such festivities. Some more oarsmen are also there. Along with this the King will be present along with Vishnu. If the King could. not be present, in that case, Vishnu will occupy the seat where traditional royal seat is laid out. In keeping with customary tradition one day. before the festival of Heikru Hidongba the King and the Vishnu are offered ritual invitation. in the evening boat race practice is done. While on the eve of the festival, at midnight the Hidongba (riders) flakes of silver and gold put in a nganthak tengnou shaba (well-shaped earthen receptacle to put traditional smoke flakes) will be offered to Bijoy Govinda.A garland of 108 heikru (amla) interspersed with stem Hup (a wild grass) and another garland of 108 rice the peeling being done by hand will be first offered  to Boy Govinda and afterwards placed at the hull of the boat. Before the boat race starts Bijoy Govinda will have a pleasure visit of the panoramic scene. The two leaders of the.race boat after due offerings to God will start the race.