Imphal, November 4: Divine Panthou urged families to celebrate Ningol Chakouba in the spirit of love and togetherness, stressing that the festival’s value lay in the affection shared between siblings rather than the quantity of gifts exchanged. He also called upon the Meitei community to understand and preserve its identity, religion and traditions.
He was addressing the 248th Pukning Khuntinnaba Yaibilen Shakhangnaba event at Panthou Ishaikol Nung, Nongpok Chingu Thong, Meitei Laikol, Thalo Sipi Lok, Selloi Langmaiching in Imphal East. The programme formed part of the sixth observance of Laihao Lairen Katpa ceremony, held to commemorate the descent of Tangja Lillai Nongdol Ibudhou Pakhangba to earth and included religious discourses and rituals.
Speaking on Ningol Chakouba, Divine Panthou advised Ningols to bring happiness to their brothers by avoiding demands beyond their brothers’ financial means. The celebration, he said, should deepen affection between siblings without placing a financial burden on families.
He emphasised that welcoming daughters and sisters home should remain an expression of love, guided by mutual understanding. The occasion should be measured by the bonds it strengthens, rather than by the number or value of gifts given.
Turning to Meitei identity, Divine Panthou urged people to deepen their understanding of the seven Salais and reflect on what it means to live as Meitei. His message emphasised that identity carries a responsibility to understand one’s origins, religious beliefs and inherited traditions, and to give them a meaningful place in everyday life.
He spoke of the close relationship between the continuity of the Meitei people, their land and their religion. Preserving this inheritance, he explained, required conscious participation from the community. People needed to understand the traditions they followed and practise them with awareness so that their meaning could be carried forward to future generations.
Divine Panthou also appealed to the community to strengthen its bonds through dialogue and shared understanding. He encouraged people to uphold their identity with dignity and without fear or hesitation. Alongside this appeal, he stressed the importance of living peacefully within one’s religious traditions, without harbouring hostility towards others.
On personal conduct, his teachings focused on care for the body and discipline of the mind. He advised people to practise moderation in eating, remain composed and exercise restraint over their desires. These teachings placed attention on everyday habits and the responsibility each person bears for the way they live.
Explaining the relationship between the body and the soul, Divine Panthou described human life as a manifestation of the soul. According to his teaching, the soul’s presence sustains the living body, linking physical existence with its spiritual foundation.
Through these teachings, he drew attention to responsibilities within both the home and the wider community: nurturing affection among family members, conducting oneself with restraint, and preserving religious and cultural traditions through understanding and practice.
