Heikru Hidongba
religious
When it happens
September
The eleventh lunar day of Langban in the Meitei calendar, falling in September. The 2025 edition was held on 4 September.
Significance
A royal-era socio-religious rite counted continuously for well over two centuries — 2025 was the 247th edition.
Why it's celebrated
To invoke prosperity, peace and well-being for the community. Heikru means amla, the Indian gooseberry, and hidongba means the boat ride.
How it's celebrated
The idol is installed at the moat and offerings of silver and gold flakes are made. Sankirtana chanting, prayers and aarti precede the race, and two long boats are then rowed the length of the moat.
Key rituals
Installation of the deity, offerings of gold and silver flakes, sankirtana, and the boat race itself.
Beliefs & spiritual meaning
The race and the offerings together are held to secure the community's prosperity for the year.
History & origins
A Manipuri court festival that has kept its own count of editions across more than two hundred years, still held at the same moat.
Frequently asked
When is Heikru Hidongba?+
On the eleventh lunar day of Langban in the Meitei calendar, which falls in September — the 2025 edition was on 4 September. Because the rule is lunar the Gregorian date moves each year.
What does the name mean?+
Heikru is the amla, or Indian gooseberry, and hidongba is the boat ride. Both are literal: two garlands are prepared for the deity, one of 108 gooseberries and one of 108 rice grains, and two long boats are then raced the length of the moat.
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