The essence of Yaoshang : Nostalgia and the winds of change

M Asnikumar Singh
The cherished days of spring, full of beaming sunlight and a light cool breeze, are now on the horizon. The air is filled with joy, laughter, and the excited chatter of people as local youngsters revel in the open, playing various traditional and modern games. The sight is a familiar one in almost every locality across the Imphal valley.
It’s Yaoshang - a unique and auspicious festival of the Meiteis in Manipur, akin to Holi, the Hindu festival of colours. However, Yaoshang is much more than just a festival of colours. It is a celebration of togetherness, fun, sports, and community spirit. It is also about the enchanting moonlit dance, a spectacle that has charmed generations.
Watching young boys and girls enthusiastically take part in the Yaoshang sports events fills me with nostalgia. It takes me back to my younger days, reviving memories of simpler times when life seemed easier, worries were fewer, and every moment spent with friends and loved ones felt precious and carefree.
Growing up amidst the rich and unparalleled traditions of our state, one cannot help but feel a tinge of sorrow seeing the changing nature of Yaoshang celebrations each year. Materialism has slowly crept into the festivities, and modern distractions have altered the way younger generations engage with this beautiful tradition.
One can only hope that, despite these shifts, the newer generations recognize the true essence of Yaoshang and strive to keep its spirit alive.
Back in the 80s, I remember how we, as children, eagerly approached our grandparents, asking for a few rupees to celebrate Yaoshang. Receiving just Rs 5 or 10 felt like a fortune. Those small amounts of money, coupled with the company of lifelong childhood friends, were all we needed for endless joy.
With a few rupees in our pockets, we would stroll through different localities, feeling as though we owned the world. Looking back, those moments fill me with a bittersweet longing. Those days will never return, and today’s children will likely never experience the unsullied joy of such simple pleasures - free from the influence of social media, digital distractions, and material excess.
Even today, when young children come home for 'Nakhadeng' (a playful tradition of collecting small donations), it evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. It reminds me of the times when we did the same, giggling mischievously but always with innocent intent.
Little kids blocking streets and playfully demanding a few coins to fill their piggy banks is still a heartwarming sight. They open those piggy banks only on the last day of Yaoshang, pooling their collections to share a meal together - strengthening friendships that often last a lifetime.
Another delightful highlight of Yaoshang is 'Thabal Chongba', a traditional moonlit dance where young boys and girls, dressed in their finest Yaoshang attire, join hands in wide circles, dancing to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. Seeing my children eagerly participate in 'Thabal Chongba' brings back vivid memories of my youth - the excitement, the laughter, and the sheer joy of dancing under the silver moonlight.
In our time, we had little or no means to capture those moments through photographs, but the memories remain deeply etched in our hearts. They are treasures that no camera could ever truly capture.
Of course, Yaoshang was never without its youthful exuberance and occasional conflicts. There were times when groups from different localities would clash over dancing rights, with one party trying to gatecrash another's Thabal Chongba. But looking back now, we laugh it off, realizing it was merely an expression of our boundless energy and youthful spirit.
Meanwhile, the 'Holi Palla' groups - energetic and tireless - move from house to house, performing soulful songs throughout the day. Their beautiful and emotional performances are a testament to the enduring spirit of Yaoshang, which continues to thrive despite the passage of time.
Manipur, with its rich traditions, stands unique in many ways. The way its people celebrate Yaoshang - with fervour, devotion, and unity - only adds to this uniqueness and beauty.
However, as we celebrate, it is impossible to ignore the effects of modernity on our cherished traditions. The rise of digital entertainment, social media, and urban lifestyles has led to a gradual decline in the communal essence of Yaoshang. The traditional ways of celebrating are slowly fading, replaced by individualistic engagements and fleeting online interactions. The organic camaraderie, the shared laughter, and the collective spirit of the festival are being challenged by the fast-paced, technology-driven world we now live in.
As we navigate these changing times, let us remind ourselves of the true essence of Yaoshang - a festival of togetherness, joy, and cultural heritage. May we continue to cherish and uphold the spirit of this beautiful festival, ensuring that it remains a meaningful and cherished part of our identity for generations to come.
With all my heart, I wish my dear friends, colleagues, loved ones, and well-wishers a very happy, safe, and meaningful Yaoshang. May the festival bring light, joy, and hope, even in the face of evolving times.


The writer is a prominent environmentalist and policy advocate from Manipur. He is presently the Senior Spokesperson of BJP Manipur and Chairman of Loktak Development Authority