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About Heikru Hidongba

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About Heikru Hidongba

Heikru Hidongba is the sacred boat race of Manipur, held on the eleventh day of the Meitei month Langban, in September. It takes place in the moat of the Bijoy Govinda temple at Sagolband in Imphal, and has been kept since the time of the Manipuri kings in the late 1700s.

Heikru is the Indian gooseberry, or amla, and hidongba means threading. Garlands of heikru and fresh paddy are made and offered to the deity, then worn by the rowers and shared as blessings for health and a good harvest.

Two long, narrow boats race on the moat. The rowers wear traditional Manipuri dress and headgear, and an image of Lord Vishnu rides on the boat. Crowds cheer from the banks while drums and songs keep the rhythm. The race is less about winning and more about prayer, unity and good fortune for the land.

For the people of Manipur, Heikru Hidongba is a link to their old royal traditions and to the rhythm of the farming year, coming just as the paddy fields turn green and full.

How people celebrate Heikru Hidongba

  • Racing two long boats in the Bijoy Govinda moat
  • Garlands of heikru (amla) and paddy for the deity
  • Rowers in traditional dress and headgear
  • Carrying the image of Lord Vishnu on the boat
  • Sharing heikru as a blessing for health
  • Drums, songs and cheering from the banks

How to wish well

  • Wish Manipuri friends health, a good harvest and good fortune for the year.
  • A mention of the amla garlands or the boats makes the wish feel real.
  • Light wishes about the race are fine; keep respect for the prayers at its heart.

Questions about Heikru Hidongba

When is Heikru Hidongba?

On the eleventh day of the Meitei month Langban, in September. The date for each year is shown on this page.

Where is Heikru Hidongba held?

In the moat of the Bijoy Govinda temple at Sagolband in Imphal, Manipur.

What does Heikru Hidongba mean?

Heikru is the Indian gooseberry, or amla, and hidongba means threading. The name comes from the garlands of amla made for the festival.

What happens in the boat race?

Two long, narrow boats race on the moat, rowed by men in traditional dress, with an image of Lord Vishnu on board. It is a prayer for the good of the land more than a contest.

How old is Heikru Hidongba?

It goes back to the Manipuri kings of the late 1700s and has been kept almost every year since.

What do you say on Heikru Hidongba?

Say "Happy Heikru Hidongba" and wish someone health, a good harvest and good luck.

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