Holi in Manipur is unlike anywhere else in India. Known as Yaosang, it is not just a celebration of colors but a blend of indigenous Meitei traditions and the Vaishnavite devotion introduced in the 18th century.
Spanning five days, it is a festival of rituals, sports, music, dance, and spirituality, deeply rooted in both pre-Hindu Meitei culture and the later Vaishnavism of the region.
Manipur’s Meitei kingdom adopted Gaudiya Vaishnavism in the early 18th century. King Pamheiba (Garibaniwaza), who ruled from 1709 to 1748, embraced Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Thereby, making it the dominant faith in the kingdom. Hence, with this shift, many local traditions merged with Krishna Bhakti. Thus, leading to the transformation of the ancient Meitei “Yaoshang” festival into Yaosang, now synonymous with Holi in Manipur.
Yaosang Mei Thaba: The Fire of Renewal
Yaosang officially begins on the full moon day of Lamta, the last month of the Meitei lunar calendar (February–March). The first ritual, Yaosang Mei Thaba (“Burning of the Yaosang hut”), is an echo of an ancient Meitei festival that predates the arrival of Vaishnavism.
Traditionally, young boys construct thatched huts out of hay and bamboo, and as dusk falls, these huts are set ablaze, symbolizing the end of evil and the rebirth of prosperity.
As the fire burns, children gather around, singing folk songs, and visiting homes to collect money, rice, or other offerings from the villagers. This ritual, known as Nakatheng. The ritual mirrors the North Indian custom of Holika Dahan – where a bonfire symbolizes the triumph of good over evil of Narayana Bhakti stated in the legend of Narasimha Avatar!
Thabal Chongba: The Dance of Youth and Love
One of Yaosang’s most anticipated events is Thabal Chongba, a dance performed under the full moon. The name itself means “Moonlight Dance” in the Meitei language.
Young girls, dressed in their traditional phanek and enaphi, form circles holding hands, while young men join in, creating an atmosphere of joyful celebration.
Many Thabal Chongba performances include devotional songs, especially kirtans in praise of Lord Krishna. The dance not only represents the joyous arrival of spring but also serves as a significant social event where young men and women interact, often leading to courtships and marriages.
Devotion and Spirituality: The Role of Krishna Bhakti
Like Holi of northern India, where colors and revelery merge with traditions, Yaosang is also deeply intertwined with religious devotion. When Gaudiya Vaishnavism took root in Manipur in the 18th century, the festival was infused with Bhagavata Purana-inspired celebrations.
On the second day, devotees embark on processions to the Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal, the spiritual heart of Manipuri Vaishnavism.
Here, grand kirtans (devotional songs) and Ras Lila performances—a reenactment of Krishna’s divine dance with the Gopis—are held, honoring the bond between Lord Krishna and Radha. The Manipuri Ras Lila, choreographed with graceful movements and spiritual depth, remains an unparalleled cultural expression of devotion. The dance was first performed in 1779 under Rajarshi Bhagyachandra. It is believed to have been inspired by a divine vision where Lord Krishna himself directed the king on how to present the Ras Lila.
Yaosang is a festival celebrated in Manipur for five days in spring, starting on the full moon day of the month of Lamda (February–March). Yaosang combines Hindu and indigenous traditions of the Meitei people. It is played with colors. #MarvelNamedIndia pic.twitter.com/xiBH5aPuEE
— Rahul Shrivastava (@AmbShrivastava) December 19, 2017
Yaosang is seemless blend of Meitei worship of Sanamahi (the indigenous deity) with the love and devotion towards Lord Krishna, creating a unique festival that blends both faiths seamlessly.
Sports, Colors, and Processions: A Festival Like No Other
Another defining feature of Yaosang is sports. The festival is also a time for organized sports and games that fill the stadiums to the streets. From the second day onward, a variety of indigenous games like Mukna (a form of Manipuri wrestling), traditional horse races, and Thang-ta (martial arts) demonstrations take place, keeping alive the warrior spirit of the Manipuris.
By the fourth and fifth day, the festival reaches its peak with public celebrations.
People smear each other with gulal (colored powders) and water, dancing in joyous processions through the streets. Men and women of all ages take part, with young girls stopping men on the roads to demand gifts in return for participation in the festivities.
Yaosang Holi: A Testament to Manipur’s Cultural Heritage
For centuries, Yaosang has been more than just a festival of colors for the people of Manipur. It represents a deep-rooted tradition of resilience, a festival that encapsulates the warrior legacy and spiritual devotion of the Manipuri people.
The mingling of Meitei traditions with the Hindu festival of Holi creates a unique and vibrant celebration unlike any other in India.
The legend of Krishna’s raasleela continues to be at the heart of Manipuri Holi, celebrated through joyous dances, music, and colors. Hence, in this way, Manipur continues to preserve its distinct identity while embracing the spiritual and cultural depth of Sanatana Dharma.
A Celebration of Identity and Devotion
Thus, Holi in Manipur is more than just the colors – it is a symbol of devotion and identity. The fusion of indigenous traditions with Vaishnavism has created a unique festival that is deeply spiritual and culturally profound.
In the hues of red, yellow, and green, Manipuris do not just celebrate the arrival of spring; they remember their roots, their battles, and their unwavering spirit.
Thus, when the people of Manipur gather to play Holi, it is not just a festival of colors but a remembrance of their ancestors’ valor. In every handful of gulal thrown into the air, there is a whisper of history and devotion – a celebration of a people who mark their faith, culture, and way of life.