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{{Short description|Traditional Meitei festival}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}

{{Infobox recurring event
|name = Lai Haraoba 
|native_name = {{small|({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯥꯏ ꯍꯔꯥꯎꯕ}}|}})}}
|native_name_lang = mni
|nickname = Merrymaking of the gods; Pleasing of the deities
|logo =
|logo_alt =
|logo_caption =
|logo_size =
|image = Lai Haraoba-3 - 5571676820.jpg
|image_size =
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|caption = A group of [[maibi]]s (priestesses) performing a ritualistic dance in Lai Haraoba
|status = active
|genre = festival
|date = between February and May or June
|begins = 
|ends = 
|frequency = Annually
|venue =
|location = shrines of the [[Umang Lai]] deities
|coordinates = 
|country =
* {{IND}}
* {{BAN}}
* {{MYA}}
|years_active = 
|first = 
|founder_name =
* [[Pakhangba]] and [[Nongthang Leima]] (according to one account of [[Meitei mythology]])
* [[Nongpok Ningthou]] & [[Panthoibi]] (according to another account of [[Meitei mythology]]) 
|last = 
|prev =
|next =
|participants = [[Maiba]]s, [[Maibi]]s and commoners
|attendance =
|capacity =
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|activity = holy and ritualistic, sacred, theatrical dance and music festival
|leader_name =
|patron =
|organised = 
|filing =
|people = [[Meitei people]]
|member =
|sponsor = 
|website = 
|current =
|footnotes = Lai Haraoba is also spelled as ''Lai Harauba, Lai Halaopa, Lai Halaupa, Lai Hoi Laoba, Lai Hoi Laopa, etc.''
}}

'''Lai Haraoba''' ({{langx|mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯥꯏ ꯍꯔꯥꯎꯕ|}}|}}, {{langx|omp|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯥꯏ ꯍꯂꯥꯎꯄ}}||Merrymaking/Pleasing of the deities}}), also known as '''Umang Lai Haraoba''', is a classical,<ref name=":Classical_Lai_Haraoba_multiple_sources">—{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h2rrAAAAMAAJ&q=classical+Khamba+Thoibi |title=Pathway Volume 41 |date=1988 |others=[[University of Michigan]]; Marg Foundation (Mumbai, India), Modern Architectural Research Group, Modern Artists and Architects Research Group, National Centre for the Performing Arts (India) |volume=41 |pages=XV |language=en |quote=First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances.}}<br />—{{Cite book |last=Doshi |first=Saryu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xRbkAAAAMAAJ&q=classical+Khamba+Thoibi |title=Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition |date=1989 |others=[[University of Michigan]] |isbn=978-81-85026-09-1 |pages=XIX |publisher=Marg Publications |language=en |quote=First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya (histrionic representation)...}}<br />—{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fZA_AAAAMAAJ&q=classical+Khamba+Thoibi |title=DM Silveira's India Book |date=1994 |publisher=Classic Publishers |others=[[University of Michigan]] |isbn=978-81-900218-2-1 |pages=230 |language=en |quote=...Lai Haraoba is the ritual folk-cum-classical dance of Manipur and tells the story of creation according to the Manipuris. Khamba Thoibi is a popular Manipuri dance which tells the story of princess Thoibi and poor boy Khamba...}}<br />—{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PJLWAAAAMAAJ&q=classical+Khamba+Thoibi |title=Mãrg |others=[[Pennsylvania State University]]; [[National Centre for the Performing Arts (India)]] |volume=41 |pages=109 |language=en |quote=First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya histrionic representation)... |issue=1–2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Cultural Significance of the Lai Haraoba|url=https://www.sahapedia.org/cultural-significance-of-the-lai-haraoba|access-date=2025-02-11|website=Sahapedia|language=en}}</ref> ritualistic, theatrical dance and music festival, annually celebrated by the [[Meitei people]], to please the [[Umang Lai]] deities of the [[traditional Meitei religion]] ([[Sanamahism]]), predominantly in the [[States of India|Indian state]] of [[Manipur]]. It is a [[Meitei intangible cultural heritage]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465533/page/n23/mode/2up|title=Meitei Lai Haraoba|last=Kullachandra Singh|first=Ngariyambam|date=1963|publisher=Internet Archive; Digital Library of India|location=India|pages=15|language=mni}}</ref><ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" /><ref name=":indianculture_Lai_Haraoba">{{Cite web|title=Lai Haraoba {{!}} INDIAN CULTURE|url=https://indianculture.gov.in/node/2884674|website=indianculture.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.india-tours.com/fairs-and-festivals/lai-haraoba-festival.html | title=Lai Haraoba Festival of Manipur, History of the Lai Haraoba Festival – India-tours }}</ref>
Outside [[Manipur]], Lai Haraoba is also celebrated in places where the [[Meitei people]] live, such as [[Assam]], [[Tripura]], [[Bangladesh]], and [[Myanmar]].<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba">{{Cite web|title=Lai Haraoba|url=https://www.sahapedia.org/lai-haraoba-0|access-date=2025-02-11|website=Sahapedia|language=en}}</ref>

Lai Haraoba (under the name "Meitei Lai Haraoba") is recognised as one of the state holidays by the [[government of Tripura]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Press|first=Imphal Free|date=2015-01-14|title=Tripura govt lists Meitei Lai Haraoba as state holiday – KanglaOnline|url=https://kanglaonline.in/2015/01/tripura-govt-lists-meitei-lai-haraoba-as-state-holiday/|access-date=2025-02-12|language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[government of Manipur]] puts effort in making Lai Haraoba to be recognised by the [[UNESCO]] as well as the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]] (SNA), the highest academy of performing arts in India, on the ''[[Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Irom|first=Bit|date=2025-01-15|title=Manipur urges UNESCO & SNA New Delhi to inscribe Lai-Haraoba|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-urges-unesco-sna-new-delhi-to-inscribe-lai-haraoba.html|access-date=2025-02-12|website=NorthEast Now|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lai Haraoba : 19th jan25 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=5..190125.jan25|access-date=2025-02-12|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2025-01-16|title=Manipur CM Pushes for UNESCO Nomination of Lai Haraoba...|url=https://northeastlivetv.com/topnews/manipur-cm-pushes-for-unesco-nomination-of-lai-haraoba-as-intangible-cultural-heritage/|access-date=2025-02-12|website=Northeast Live|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=UNESCO nod for Lai Haraoba sought|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/10/21/Imphal-Oct-21The-Manipur-Government-has-submitted-a-proposal-to-UNESCO-to-recognize-the-traditional-Lai-Har.html|access-date=2025-02-12|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}</ref>

Lai Haraoba, along with the fusion of three other performing art forms, [[Huiyen Lallong]], [[Meitei Sankirtana|Meitei Nata Sankirtana]] and [[Raslila|Raaslila]], gave rise to the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]]-recognised [[Indian classical dance]] form, popularly known as the ''"[[Manipuri dance]]"''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kathy |date=2020-06-02 |title=Hasta in Manipuri - Part 1 - Wednesday Wisdom |url=https://www.akademi.co.uk/hasta-in-manipuri/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Akademi |language=en-GB |quote=The classical dance of Manipuri was born out of rituals that are danced by the Meitei community residing in Manipur, India. The style of Manipuri that we see on stage is a confluence of traditions that are associated with four rituals. These rituals are observed as devotional service, or rites of passage, or propitiation rites, or all. Dance is derived from each of these rituals – Lai Haraoba, Huyen Langlon, Nata Sankirtana and Raaslila. These dances are considered as genres of Manipuri dance, alongside being integral part of Meitei social fabric. However, the classical Manipuri tradition is often associated with only the Raaslila tradition (which is debated by different institutions).}}</ref>

== Interpretations of meaning ==
Elangbam Nilakanta Singh translates Lai Haraoba as the “merry making of the gods and goddesses,” and many others use this meaning. [[Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt|Saroj Nalini Parratt]] and John Parratt translate it as “pleasing of the gods,” based on J. Shakespeare’s (1913) translation, but they make it plural because the festival honors more than one god. Practitioners of the ritual say that the name comes from the ''"lai hoi laoba,"'' the cry of ‘hoi’, in the [[Meitei mythology|Meitei creation myth]], which marks the moment the universe is revealed. This idea is given by Ng. Kulachandra, the former head of the Manipur Pandit Loishang.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" /><ref name=":indianculture_Lai_Haraoba" />

== Origin ==
[[File:Lai haraoba manipur.JPG|thumb|A dance performance during the ''Lai Haraoba'' festival]]
Lai Haraoba {{meitei|ꯂꯥꯏ ꯍꯔꯥꯎꯕ}} is a ritualistic festival of the Meiteis observed since ancient times.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/latest-news/rich-traditions-seek-to-revive-manipurs-lai-haraoba-festival|title=Rich traditions seek to revive Manipur's Lai Haraoba festival|access-date=5 May 2022|website=www.freepressjournal.in}}</ref> It is a ritual enactment of the creation myth. It mirrors the entire culture of Manipur and depicts the close affinities between the hill and plain people. It is a combination of religious recitations, traditional music and dance, traditional social values and ancient cultural aspects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themorningbell.in/workshop-on-making-of-laipot-senpot-of-umang-lai-haraoba-kicks-off/|title=Workshop on making of "Laipot-Senpot" of Umang Lai Haraoba kicks off|access-date=5 May 2022|website=themorningbell.in}}</ref>

The rituals within the festival are the same except in some items or [[hymn]]s, such as ikouba, ikourol, and yakairol at the beginning and mikon thagonba, ngaprum tanba at the end of the festival. In the performances, the evolution story with the amorous love-affairs of [[Manipuri Guardians of the Directions|Nongpok Ninghthou]] and [[Panthoibi]] is depicted and played equally in all kinds of lai haraoba.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Allen|first=N. J.|date=1999|title=Review of The Pleasing of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3107431|journal=Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London|volume=62|issue=1|pages=160–161|doi=10.1017/S0041977X00017973 |jstor=3107431 |s2cid=161513835 |issn=0041-977X|url-access=subscription}}</ref> According to folklore, the gods held the first Lai Haraoba on the Koubru Hill so that their descendants would imitate them by performing the same rites.

== Places and timings ==
Lai Haraoba takes place at local shrines dedicated to the Umang Lai deities, which are important to the [[traditional Meitei religion]]. The festival doesn't have fixed dates but happens between February and May or June. Each shrine chooses its own dates for the festival. The festival can last from three days to over a month, depending on the shrine. The dates and length of the festival can be different for each shrine.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" /><ref name=":indianculture_Lai_Haraoba" />
== Deities {{Anchor|Worshipping deities}} ==
{{Main|Meitei deities}}
The Lai Haraoba is also called the Umang Lai Haraoba, named after the [[Umang Lai]] deities, honored during the festival. These deities are seen as protectors of the areas where the shrines are located. The festival takes place at these shrines, and the whole community helps with the preparations.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
The Umang Lai group includes over 300 deities, such as ancestors, legendary forefathers, and other important gods in the [[traditional Meitei religion]] ([[Sanamahism]]).<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" /><ref name=":indianculture_Lai_Haraoba" />
=== Male and female aspects ===
The rituals of Lai Haraoba honor a male and a female deity, called Lainingthou and Lairembi/Lairemma.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" /> The rituals focus on creation. The Meitei people believe that the supreme god created the cosmos. He is called Tengbanba Mapu or Taibangpanba Mapu or Atiya Sidaba. Some creation stories start with these gods, while others go back to Atingkok and Amamba. Amamba is the dark place where life begins.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
== Types and variations ==
Four types of Lai Haraoba are prevalent in the Meitei society, namely, ''[[:en:wikt:Kanglei|Kanglei Haraoba]]'', ''[[:en:wikt:Moirang|Moirang Haraoba]]'', ''[[:en:wikt:Kakching|Kakching Haraoba]]'' and ''[[:en:wikt:Chakpa|Chakpa Haraoba]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/it-articles/item/11825-lai-haraoba-the-most-important-festival-merry-making-of-umanglai|title=LAI HARAOBA – THE MOST IMPORTANT FESTIVAL (Merry Making of Umanglai) - Imphal Times|access-date=5 May 2022|website=www.imphaltimes.com|date=July 2018 }}</ref> ''Kanglei Haraoba'' is performed mainly in Imphal and the nearby towns. ''Moirang Haraoba'' is only in Moirang, ''Kakching Haraoba'' is held in Kakching and ''Chakpa Haraoba'' is celebrated at Andro, Phayeng, Sekmai, Koutruk, Khuukhul, Leimaram and Tairenpokpi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenortheasttoday.com/states/manipur/5-facts-to-know-about-lai-haraoba-the-ancient-dance-form-of/cid2552780.htm|title=5 facts to know about 'Lai Haraoba' the ancient dance form of Manipur!|access-date=5 May 2022|website=thenortheasttoday.com|date=9 January 2017 }}</ref><ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" /><ref name=":indianculture_Lai_Haraoba" />
=== Kanglei Haraoba ===
One type of Lai Haraoba is Kanglei Haraoba, celebrated in and around [[Imphal]]. The name Kanglei comes from [[Kangla]], which is in the center of Imphal. The main deity worshipped is [[Pakhangba]]. A special part of this festival is when [[Khoriphaba]], a deity, looks for a ‘bride’. A [[maibi]] (spirit medium) calls on Khoriphaba's spirit to choose the bride. The festival ends with the nongarol, which shows the rise of the divine presence.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

=== Moirang Haraoba ===
[[File:%EA%AF%8D%EA%AF%A4%EA%AF%8C%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%A1_%EA%AF%87%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%9F%EA%AF%85%EA%AF%95%EA%AF%B1.jpg|thumb|Performance of the [[Khamba Thoibi classical dance]] in Lai Haraoba]]

Moirang Haraoba is celebrated in and around the [[Moirang]] region in the southern part of the Imphal valley. The main deity worshipped is [[Thangching]] ([[Thangjing]]). In this version, along with langthrei leaves (a common offering in the Kanglei version), leisang, another evergreen plant, is also offered. A special part of this festival is the [[Khamba Thoibi classical dance]]. The festival ends with tengtharol (a song of [[lamentation]]), which marks the rise of the deities.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
=== Chakpa Haraoba ===
Chakpa Haraoba is not a separate type of the festival, but a group of versions celebrated by Chakpa groups in different villages. The hand movements are simpler, and the structure is less complex. It includes sacrificial practices. The main versions are from [[Andro, Imphal East]] and Phayeng villages. In Andro, a special ritual called [[Numit Kappa]] (shooting of the sun) is performed, which is unique to them. The Phayeng tradition has special rituals, like ''"Lai Phagi Tounaba,"'' which are not done in other places.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

=== Kakching Haraoba ===
[[File:Plate 11-2 Folk-Lore, vol. 24.jpg|thumb|An orchestra, including [[pena (musical instrument)]] players and married women, in honor of God [[Khamlangba]]]]

Kakching Haraoba is celebrated in the [[Kakching]] region, east of [[Imphal]]. A special part of the festival is the ''"Ngaprum Tanba"'' ritual (hunting of eel) on the last day. People have different opinions on whether it should be a separate type of festival. Some think it should be part of Kanglei, while others think it should be under Chakpa Haraoba. Dr. Kh. Ratankumar Singh sees it as a separate type. However, each shrine often has its own unique practices.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

== Rituals ==
The Lai Haraoba rituals are led by special people. There are three old traditions. The three traditions are [[maiba]], [[maibi]], and asheiba ([[pena (musical instrument)]] is about the music with a special fiddle). Only men can follow maiba and asheiba. Only women can follow maibi, which is about connecting with spirits.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

The Lai Haraoba rituals are detailed and cover many parts. They can be divided into three parts. These parts are the beginning, the middle, and the end. The parts are called Lai Eekouba, Haraoba, and Lairoi respectively. The Lai Eekouba marks the descent of the god (Lai in [[Meitei language]]). The Lairoi marks the ascent. The days in between follow a similar pattern. The number of days in between can change. This makes the festival last anywhere from three days to over three weeks.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

=== Lai Eekouba ===
The Lai Eekouba rituals focus on bringing a sacred presence into the shrine for the festival. Before the rituals, the doors of the shrine, which are usually closed all year, are opened. This is called ''"lai thong hangba,"'' meaning "opening of the shrine doors." It happens on a lucky day before the Eekouba rituals. After opening, the shrine is cleaned, and sacred images and objects are prepared. The utensils are cleaned, clothes for the ceremonies are washed, and the sacred images are taken out. Sometimes, preparations begin even before opening the shrine, like making rice beer for the event. This process is done with special songs and rituals.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

In the Eekouba ritual, the sacred presence is brought through water. This is done at a pond or river. A procession goes from the shrine to the water. There, offerings are made and deities are called. A maibi performs the ritual by chanting and ringing bells. The maibi may go into a trance and speak messages from the spirits. The sacred objects come to life during this time. Afterward, the procession returns to the shrine, and the objects are placed in their spots. The day ends with the [[pena (musical instrument)]] fiddle player, who plays music and sings to rest the deities for the night, with a rite called ''"naosumba"''. This is the first day of the festival.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
=== Haraoba ===
The second day starts with the awakening rite (yakeiba). The pena fiddle player plays in the morning to wake up the deity. Some rituals are done, like bathing (iru sadengba) and removing bad energies (anam-aha kokpa). People bring fruits, rice, grains, flowers, incense, and candles as offerings. The morning prayers are recited, and the offerings are given.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
The main ritual happens in the evening. Music and dance are an important part of it. They are not just for performance, but part of the ritual. The evening starts with offering flowers, called ''"Lei Langba."'' The person in charge of the flowers or their helper does this. The [[maibi]]s show respect before starting the dance of [[Thougal Jagoi]]. This dance is a way to honor the Lai and get ready for the day’s work. The songs in the dance praise the deity. The maibis lead the dance, and everyone in the community can join. After the dance, the Laibou part of the ritual starts.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
==== Laibou ====
[[File:ꯂꯥꯢꯄꯧ ꯂꯥꯀꯤ ꯂꯩꯍꯨꯜ.jpg|thumb|Position of placing banana trees in front of the shrine, during the Lai Haraoba celebration]]

The laibou rituals are the main part of the Lai Haraoba. Before this, a banana leaf with a small offering and sacred langthrei leaves are placed in the center of the area. The maibis then dance to bring the sacred presence into the space. This dance is called [[Laiching Jagoi]], or "the dance to draw out the deities." The dance is accompanied only by the sound of the [[pena (musical instrument)]] fiddle, with no singing. After the dance, everyone shouts "hoi" together in a song called hoi laoba. They follow the [[maiba]]’s lead. The singing style is similar to the closing song, wakol laoba, but it is different from other ritual songs. This singing style is called "antiphonal songs," which is different from other ritual songs.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

The laibou rituals are performed in a procession that goes around the performance area. The rituals symbolize the creation of the human body, birth, building a house, farming, and weaving. The procession, led by the maibi, starts in front of the shrine and moves around the area, showing respect to the four directions and their deities.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

The dance begins with the creation of the body. The maibi dances to show how each part of the body is made, like carving the eyes, drawing the brows, and marking the soles of the feet. Then, the baby is 'born' and cared for. As the child grows, clothing is needed. To make clothes, the hillside is cleared to grow cotton, which is then processed and woven. To protect the child, a house is built, with frames made and mud used to plaster the walls. When the child grows older, they go fishing, which symbolizes physical desires. Throughout this ritual, there are clear references to everyday life and culture.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

==== After Laibou ====
After the Laibou, the Padon Jagoi follows. In this, the maibis form a line, led by a senior maibi, and dance in a serpentine pattern in the performance area. Next, a series of rites takes place, focusing on the phibul (a ball of cloth) and the phijang, which is a piece of white cloth held by four poles. These four poles form a ritual umbrella and banners. The four corners of the cloth are held by the poles. Two maibis, each holding a sacred object, dance around the poles, moving under the cloth. After the rites, the cloth is gathered up and returned to the shrine. It is sometimes called as a part of the ritual "canopy cycle."<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
The day ends with the participants drawing serpentine patterns, called ''"Lairen Mathek Chatpa."'' Then, the sacred objects are put back in the shrine, and the Wakol song is sung. The deities are put to rest with a lullaby called Naosumba, played by the pena.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
==== Special rites ====
[[File:Lai_Lamthokpa.jpg|thumb|''"Lai Lam-thokpa"'' street procession - An outdoor ritual ceremony of a Lai Haraoba performance]]

Some rites are done only on certain days. One is the ''"Saroi Khangba,"'' where food is offered to lesser spirits. Another is the ''"Kanglei Thokpa,"'' where the spirit of the deity [[Khoriphaba]] is called. This is also known as ''"Lai Nupi Thiba,"'' meaning "search for the bride." A more visible rite is the ''"Lai Lam-thokpa"'' street procession, where the procession moves outside with a big celebration and many people.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

=== Lairoi ===
The Lairoi rituals happen on the last day and mark the end of the festival. These rituals focus on closing the sacred time and space of Lai Haraoba. One ritual is ''"Thang Jagoi,"'' a dance with blades, performed by a maibi at the four corners to remove bad energies. Another ritual is Loutaba, also called Tangkhul-Nurabi, which is about two important mythological figures. Loutaba is like a skit with comedy, myths, chants, and some improvisation. Other closing rituals include ''Ougri Hangel, Thawai Mi-konba, Sharit Litpa, and Khencho Chongba.''<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

The sacred presence is let go with the Lai Nongaba rite, marking its departure and return to the other realm. A boat is made for this journey. The Uyarol songs describe the tree being cut down, and the Hijing Hirao songs describe making the boat. The ascent is marked by the Higa Ishei hymn, and the ritual ends with the Nongarol hymn.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
When returning to the shrine, the sacred images and items used in the ritual are taken apart, all on the same night. A Leihun offering of langthrei leaves is made, and the shrine doors are closed for five days. On the fifth day, the maibi comes back to remove the offering and prepare a new one. This final rite, called Leihun Tamba, ends the Lairoi rituals.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
==Lai Haraoba Ishei==
Lai Haraoba Ishei is a famous folk song played mainly during Lai Haraoba. This song contains lyrics with veiled references to erotic [[mysticism]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=MCDUIE-RA|first=DUNCAN|date=2012|title=The 'North-East' Map of Delhi|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23251770|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=47|issue=30|pages=69–77|jstor=23251770 |issn=0012-9976}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Devi|first=Khwairakpam Renuka|title=Representation of the Pre-Vaishnavite Culture of the Meiteis: "Cheitharol Kumpapa" of Manipur |date=2011|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44146744|journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress|volume=72|pages=501–508|jstor=44146744 |issn=2249-1937}}</ref> The main quality of the song is the rhythm in its tune.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india9.com/i9show/Lai-Haraoba-Ishei-26664.htm|title=Lai Haraoba Ishei|date=2005-06-07|publisher=India9.com|accessdate=2008-11-05}}</ref>
[[File:"PENA" a musical instrument.jpg|thumb|The [[Pena (musical instrument)|pena]], a musical instrument used in the festival]]

== Sports ==
{{Main|Meitei traditional games|Sports in Manipur|Meitei traditional martial arts|Meitei traditional weapons}}
In Lai Haraoba, the day after the Lairoi (last day of rituals) was for sports events. These events included many traditional Meitei games and sports. Some of the games were Yubi Lakpi, which is a traditional Meitei [[Rugby football|rugby]] and uses an oiled slippery [[coconut]] and oiled bodies. Another game was Khong Kangjei, which is a traditional Meitei [[hockey]]. Mukna is a traditional Meitei [[wrestling]], and mukna-kangjei is a mix of wrestling and hockey. Thouri Chingnaba is a traditional Meitei tug of war.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />

[[File:Hiyang Tannaba, a classical Meitei boat racing cultural event, performed as a part of the celebration of the Lai Haraoba festival.jpg|thumb|[[Hiyang Tannaba]], a classical Meitei boat racing cultural event, performed as a part of the celebration of the Lai Haraoba celebration]]

== Influences on other performing arts ==
Dance forms of Lai Haraoba helped create the [[Manipuri dance]] style and inspired the [[Manipuri dance|Manipuri Ras Lila]], one of India's classical dances. The focus on dance has shaped how people see and talk about Lai Haraoba, both in Manipur and outside. But Lai Haraoba is more than just dance, music, or religion. It is an important part of the culture and has helped the [[Meitei people]] strengthen their identity, especially in relation to [[Hinduism|Hindu culture]]. The festival and its traditions show the Meitei view of the world and their values. It also reflects their material culture.<ref name=":sahapedia_lai-haraoba" />
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Plate 10-1 Folk-Lore, vol. 24.jpg
File:Plate 11-1 Folk-Lore, vol. 24.jpg
File:Plate 12-1 Folk-Lore, vol. 24.jpg
File:Lai_haraoba_manipur.JPG
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Lai Haraoba in Bangladesh]]
* [[Lai Haraoba in Myanmar]]
* [[Lai Haraoba in Tripura]]
* [[Khamba Thoibi]]
** [[Lei Langba (Khamba Thoibi)]]
* [[Lists of deities in Sanamahism]]
* [[Sanamahi creation myth]]
* [[Meitei people in Assam]]
* [[Meitei people in Bangladesh]]
* [[Meitei people in Meghalaya]]
* [[Meitei people in Myanmar]]
* [[Meitei people in Nagaland]]
* [[Meitei people in Tripura]]
* [[Cheibi]]
* [[Huiyen Lallong]]
* [[Sarit Sarak]]
* [[Thang Ta]]

== Bibliography ==
* Arambam, Lokendro. 2002. ‘Some Aspects of Kanglei Lai Haraoba’, in Traditional Customs and Rituals of North-East India, Vol. 1, ed. P.C. Sharma. Guwahati: Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture.
* Brara, N. Vijayalakshmi, 1998. Politics, society and cosmology in India’s North East. Delhi: Oxford University Press.
* Chaki-Sircar, Manjusri, 1984. Feminism in a traditional society: women of the Manipur valley. Delhi: Shakti Books.
* Chatterji, Suniti Kumar. 1974. Kirata-Jana-Kriti: The Indo-Mongoloids, their Contribution to the History and Culture of India. Calcutta: Calcutta Asiatic Society.
* Levi-Strauss, Claude. 1970. The Raw and the Cooked. tr. Weightman, J. & Weightman, D. London: Jonathan Cate.
* Parratt, S.N. 1980. The Religion of Manipur. Calcutta: Firma KLM (Pvt.) Limited.
* Parratt, S.N. and J. Parratt. 1997. The Pleasing of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba. New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
* Sanajaoba, N. (ed.). 1991. Manipur: Past and present – the ordeals of and heritage of a civilization, Vol. 2. New Delhi: Mittal Publications.
* Shakespeare, J. 1913. ‘The Pleasing of the God Thangjing’. Man. XIII.1:112.
* Singh, E.Nilakanta. 1982. Aspects of Indian Culture. Imphal: Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy.
* Singh, E.N. 1997. Manipuri Dance. New Delhi: Omsons Publications.
* Singh, Kh. Ratan. 2001. Lai Haraoba of Manipur: Indigenous Festival of the Meitei (A Social-Historical Perspective). Manipur: Smt. Pratima Devi
* Singh, L. Bhagyachandra. 1987. A Critical Study of the Religious Philosophy of the Meitei Before the Advent of Vaishnavism in Manipur. Manipur: L. Momon Devi
* Singh, W. Lukhoi. 2008. Lai Haraoba. Manipur: author
* Kshetrimayum, Otojit. (2014). ''Ritual, Politics and Power in North East India: Contexualising the Lai Haraoba of Manipur''. New Delhi: Ruby Press & Co.
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last=Parratt|first=Saroj Nalini|author2=John Parratt |title=The Pleasing of the Gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba|publisher=Vikas Publishing House|date=1997}}
{{Refend}}
== References ==
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wiktionary|Lai Haraoba}}
{{Commonscat}}
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[[Category:Festivals in Manipur]]
[[Category:Sanamahism]]
[[Category:Meitei festivals]]
[[Category:Meitei music]]
[[Category:Meitei folklore]]
[[Category:Festivals in Assam]]
[[Category:Festivals in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Festivals in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Festivals in Tripura]]
[[Category:Dances of Assam]]
[[Category:Dances of Manipur]]
[[Category:Dances of Tripura]]

Lai Haraoba - Revision history

CleanupBot at 03:59, 22 March 2026