Manipur
Yaoshang celebrations in Manipur

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Sunday asked the people of the state to adhere to Covid-19 protocols while celebrating the festival of colours.

Holi locally known as ‘Yaoshang’ is a very important festival of the Meitei community of the state.

The chief minister asked the people to wear masks and maintain social distance to prevent further infection.

The Union health ministry recently issued fresh guidelines to all states and Union Territories for curbing the spread of Covid-19.

Also read: Assam: Baghmara residents bask in the spirit of Holi despite spread of Covid-19

The ministry has specifically directed the states and union territories to take measures to prevent large gatherings during festivals.

The festival is celebrated for a period of five days beginning on the full moon day or Dol-Purnima of the month of Fagun, locally known as Lamda.

During the festival people partake in various religious activities like Kirtans performed in the praise of Lord Krishna and other traditional activities like burning of straw huts, playing with colours and playing tugs of wars.

The people also perform Thabal Chongba, a traditional dance where and females dance in circles holding hands at the festival site.

“I convey my heartiest greetings to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of #Yaoshang, (HOLI)the festival of colours, one of the biggest festivals of the Meitei community. As we rejoice we must also observe COVID appropriate behaviors to protect  from the pandemic,” N Biren Singh tweeted.