Paper Details

Name: Ningthoujam Priyolata Devi & Wahengbam Kumari Chanu
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Vol-12, issue-2, (July-December)
Page Number: 8-24
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17735962

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the historical significance and evolving role of Lai-Ekouba within the
Lai-Haraoba festival of Manipur. Lai-Ekouba, literally interpreted as ―Calling up the Lai from
the water,‖ is a ritual of immense importance in the indigenous Meitei/Meetei religion,
Sanamahism, as revealed by detailed analysis of historical records and ethnographic studies
from the 18th to the 20th century in the Imphal Valley. This study underscores how the ritual
serves as both an introductory ceremony practice and a reinvigoration of the cultural and
religious activity of the Meitei/Meetei community. Drawing on scholarly sources including
Chanu (2012), Devi (2018), and numerous journalistic and ethnographic accounts (Singh,
2022; Sahapedia, 2022), this paper explores the historical evolution, ritual practices, and
socio-religious functioning of Lai-Ekouba. The paper is structured into several sections.
Ultimately the study illustrates that Lai-Ekouba is not only a ritualistic reenactment of
celestial invocation but also a process that has continually shaped the religious practices and
cultural expressions of the Manipuri people.
Key words: Lai-Haraoba, Lai-Ekouba, Historical significance, Meitei/Meetei community.