EYOL notes with concern

IMPHAL, Nov 11 : Enat Yokhatpa Luptin (EYOL) has reacted sharply against the use of gold in preparation of Kundo garlands/varmalas in a wedding ceremony recently.
The practice of using gold granules in making garlands, cutting cakes, exchanging rings, over the top use of Phijang (costly decorating materials) are not part of Manipuri culture and tradition. Such practices dilute the original culture and tradition and malign them, said EYOL's secretary general, Mayengbam Dhananjoy, speaking to reporters at a press meet at Kwakeithel today.
While EYOL has been spearheading mass movements to preserve and promote original Manipuri culture and traditions, there have emerged reports of many traditional ceremonies and rituals including weddings organised not adhering to their true forms, Dhananjoy said. Using gold in garlands, cutting cakes, exchanging rings and over the top use of decorative Phijang not only malign and undermine the culture and tradition, but also encourages unethical competitions among the people, he said.
Wedding and other cultural and traditional rituals and ceremonies must be practised in solemn and meaningful ways that would preserve and not malign their true essence and cultural significance, Dhananjoy added.
He appealed to the people to not support practices that undermine Manipuri culture and tradition, and urged local clubs and Meira Paibis for their attention to ceremonies and rituals held in their respective areas.
Dhananjoy also urged the people concerned who had adopted "unethical" practices to issue clarifications. EYOL's publicity secretary, Wahengbam Luwang Leima also echoed the same concern and said the use of gold in making garlands in weddings is unacceptable. She also urged people to respect and preserve the Manipuri culture and tradition. "Our indigenous culture and tradition must be protected from outside influence," she said.