Unique tribal festival begins in interior Manipur

Imphal, Jan 12 : The greatest festival of Maram tribe, locally known as Kang-Hi, which was out of bounds for photographers till 2008, has begun at Maram Khullen village in interior Senapati district of Manipur.

A unique feature of the traditional post-harvest festival of the Maram, a major tribe of Manipur, is the naked wrestling between male competitors.

A spokesman of the organising committee said the wrestlers are selected from among the winner of each small clan before they compete in the grand event in front of the Chief (Queen) of Maram Khullen.

This indigenous game is exclusive to men and women are not allowed to witness the game, the spokesman said.

If they wish to watch the game, they may do so from some distance away from the area.

Earlier no one was allowed to take photoghraphs and expose the indigenous game to outside world.