Today is the full-moon day of Lamta, the last month of the Manipuri lunar calendar. Men and women are assembled here this evening for a ritual - that of burning a thatched hut made of hay and bamboo - what the Manipuris also call Yaoshang Mei Thaba, which marks the beginning of the Festival of Colours - Yaoshang or Doljatra or simply - Holi.

Holi is one of the most popular festivals of Hindus in India, Nepal and other Hindu regions. The people of Manipur also celebrate Holi but in a somewhat different way.

Here, Holi is merged with the festival of Yaoshang. Just as Holi sets off with Holika Dahan or the holi bonfire in other parts of India, Yaoshang in Manipur also kicks off with Yaoshang Mei Thaba or the burning of thatched huts.

On the same day, children go from house to house to collect rice and vegetables for a small feast they organize for themselves.
From the next morning onward, young children visit relatives and neighbours for nakadeng - collecting money and gifts. Some block roads to collect money from passers-by. This is called Sel-munba.

During Yaoshang, groups of Manipuri Vaishnavite elders perform Holi Pala at various temples and homes. On the sixth day, there is a celebration of Halangkar in the Bijoy Govinda Compound.
Halangkar is a unique festival in itself. It is closely related to the Lai-Keithel Kaba tradition of ancient times which was celebrated to promote prosperity and to welcome the New Year.

In 1779 AD, the then king of Manipur, Rajarshi Bhagya chandra and his uncle Mantri Punshiba Ananta sai Nongpok Leiri khomba re-established the festival at Bijoy Govinda, as Halangkar, combining elements of old Meitei religious tradition and the Radha-Krishna Holi Leela of Hinduism.

On this day, Lord Vishnu set off in a grand procession from Shri Shri Govindajee Temple to Shree Shree Bijoy Govinda Temple on horseback, accompanied by several Holi Dals. Ministers and other important officials carrying chong-shek-pin and garot walk alongside.