Manipuri ‘Lai Haraoba’ festival brings joy to Kamalganj

The traditional and ancient religious festival of the Manipuri community, Lai Haraoba ('Joy of the Gods'), is being celebrated in Kamalganj, Moulvibazar. The three-day festival, which aims to please the traditional deities of the Sanamahi religion, began on Wednesday (April 23) and will continue until Friday (April 25).

Held at the Manipuri Cultural Complex in Tetigaon village of Adampur Union, the festival includes daily performances of folk songs, dances, and religious rituals according to traditional customs. Maibis (priestesses) share divine messages during the celebrations.

The Lai Haraoba festival comes from the ancient folk dance form called Lai Haraoba Jagoi in the Manipuri community. In the local language, Lai means deity, Haraoba means joy, and Jagoi means dance — so the festival symbolizes bringing joy to the gods through music and dance. The dances performed are based on one of the oldest traditions in Manipuri dance.

The event is organized by the Lai Haraoba Steering Committee, funded by UNESCO Bangladesh. It is supported by the Bangladesh National Museum, IGCCC, the religious and cultural organization "Porei Apokpa Marup," the Consortium of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh (CIB), and the Center for Advancement of South Asian Culture (SADHANA).

Priests, dancers, choreographers, and researchers from Manipur of India, are participating in the festival. Cultural personality Lubna Marium, representatives from the National Museum, UNESCO, and many renowned scholars from across Bangladesh are also present