AD during the reign of Emperor Garib Niwaj when he embraced Hinduism as the official religion in the kingdom of Manipur. The Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple in Imphal West district is the largest site for the festival in Manipur. Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba Sanamahi Ahong Khong Chingba (ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ ꯑꯍꯣꯡ ꯈꯣꯡ ꯆꯤꯡꯕ), also known as Sanamahi Cheng Hongba, is a grand chariot pulling festival dedicated to Sanamahi, the Guardian of the mankind in Sanamahism. It is on this day people pour a basketful of uncooked rice in front of the idol of the deity. The main venue of the event is Imphal. It was revived in 2018 AD after having been banned for 350 years. The Imphal city serves as the main location of the festival. It attracts thousands of pilgrims who join the procession. The festival was celebrated 350 years ago, and after a long pause, it was first recelebrated in the year 2018. Yaoshang (ꯌꯥꯎꯁꯪ) falls on the 15th lunar day of the Lamtaa month of the Meitei year. It is a five-day festival, starting from the Full moon day of the month. Due to its coincidence with the timing of Holi, people imitate the Hindu culture of using colors to spray among one another. Yaosang is indigenous traditions of the Meitei people. It is considered the most important festival in Manipur. Other festivals Since some sections of Meitei people also follow Hinduism and Christianity, the general Hindu and Christian festivals are also celebrated in addition to those of the traditional Meitei religion (Sanamahism). See Also Meitei culture Ancient Kangleipak Meitei language Christianity in Manipur Hinduism in Manipur Hindu festival References Manipur Meitei culture Festivals by culture Pages with unreviewed translations