Yaoshang of the Youth: Holi in Manipur

The spring festival of Holi is celebrated by the Meitei tribe of Manipur, as Yaoshang, and lasts for over five days. Yaoshang is one of the most important festivals in the state and is celebrated with colour and fervour.

A variety of new traditions have emerged, with practices such as rock concerts, sports festivals, moonlight dances and more.

Neighbourhood rock concerts are put up during the festival with local musicians performing onstage to a predominantly young audience.

The audience collects at local festive complexes where large stages are set up. The youngsters also play with powdered colour during the performances. 

Traditionally, folk songs would be sung and dances would be under the natural light of the moon.

Nowadays, large gatherings are organised and local bands are called to perform who create the dance atmosphere with drums, saxophones, flutes, cymbals and more. 

The Yaoshang festival has become an opportunity to promote sporting events and a chance for the local youth to represent their localities with pride. 

While Yubi Lakpi remains the key festive sport, football, volleyball, cycling, and cross-country races have also become a grand affair and last the duration of the festival.

Manipur is a state where tradition has flawlessly mingled with modernity, lending its very own twist to the state’s colourful spring celebrations.