Feast Hosted for Displaced People in Ningthoukhong

Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by SPN Editor

Bishnupur/October 05, 2023 (SPN) | A feast was hosted at the Radha Madhav Mandop for the displaced people seeking refuge at the relief camp established at Mangolnganbi College in Ningthoukhong today.

The feast was organized by the Shri Shri Radha Madhav Sebayet Committee in collaboration with Mangolnganbi College as part of the ‘Annadanam Utsav,’ a noble tradition of providing food to those in need and destitute.

The Annadanam Utsav, which commenced on October 2, will continue until October 8.

Annadanam Utsav is a significant tradition in India that revolves around the act of providing food to the needy and destitute. The term “Annadanam” can be broken down into two parts: “Anna,” meaning food or grains, and “Danam,” which translates to giving or donating. Together, Annadanam represents the charitable act of donating food.

This tradition holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in India, where the act of feeding the hungry is considered a virtuous and selfless deed. It is often associated with the practice of dana (charity) in various religious and spiritual traditions.

Annadanam Utsav typically involves the distribution of free meals to those in need, including the poor, homeless, and marginalized individuals. These meals are often served in public spaces, religious institutions, community centers, or even at temporary relief camps during times of crisis.

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Addressing the event, RK Birjit Singh, the Principal of Mangolnganbi College, spoke about the tradition of offering prayers and paying homage to departed ancestors. He emphasized that the feast for the relief camp residents was organized as part of the Annadanam Utsav, which commenced on the auspicious occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

It’s worth noting that thousands of people who were displaced by the communal conflict that initially erupted on May 3 are seeking shelter in numerous relief camps established across the state.

Ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 3 has resulted in the deaths of over 150 people and the displacement of more than 50,000 individuals.