Lai-Haraoba in Manipur

Lai-Haraoba is a grand festival of Manipur celebrated to revere the local deities such as Umang Thai. This festival is characterized by the worship of traditional gods and ancestors. This Manipur festival is well connected with the fascinating past and stories that keep you engaged.

According to the legends, in the beginning, Guru Sidaba was the most excellent lord who lived in a dark vacuum. Once, the room where he lived was illuminated with different rainbow colors, motivating him to create the world. To accomplish this mission, he sent Atiya Guru Sidaba with a creature who maneuvered a wiry network in which human life was to be integrated. 

Atiya Guru decided to harden the framework and approached Sidaba Guru. Sidaba provided him some dirt for his navel and nine men from the right side and seven women from the left side to serve Atiya Guru. Atiya Guru started the work again and took the help of these men and women. The first two attempts of Atiya Guru were frustrated by Harba. Guru Sidaba sent the goddess of lightening to the rescue of Atiya Guru, who enslaved Harba. Atiya Guru then solidified the framework and made it suitable for human life. The Lai-Haraoba festival is observed every year and is an important Manipuri festival to celebrate the whole process.

Lai-Haraoba celebrates the creation process, and twelve events display the phases of creation. The festival is marked by songs and dance performances and is celebrated in April and May.

If you want to participate in this festival, you can plan a vacation in April and May according to the date of the festival. We have curated customizable tour packages of Manipur for you that will let you discover some new travel experiences.