Newmai News Network Senapati | April 24 Maram women in large number came in bonhomie to celebrate 25 years of the founding of Maram Khullen Circle Women’s Association (MKCWA) at the historical and fame Maram Khullen in Senapati district. It was a three-day event which culminated on Sunday. During the three-day celebration, the traditionally attired Maram women folks conglomerated at the iconic village in the spirit of ancestral unity. The Silver Jubilee celebration of MKCWA was laced with festoons and fanfare with the showcasing of tradition. The event perhaps was the important anticipated calendar days for the Maram women. Autonomous District Council (ADC) Chairman of Senapati district, ML Markson was the chief guest and ADC member L.Rangpung John was the guest of the honour. With the theme “Upholding Mangkang”, the celebration witnessed the mammoth presence of Maram leaders, women leaders, village elders, organizations and young girls attired in impressive traditional dresses. By evening, ‘Miss Mangkang’ was crowned to finally culminate the three-day celebration. The ADC chairman unveiled the silver jubilee monolith and ADC member unveiled the silver jubilee souvenir. Female musical star Jasmine enthralled the crowd with the theme song. The day was fun filled with different kinds of traditional items displayed by different villages of the area. The event marked the significant observation of the aged old lunar calendar for traditional women’s festivity called the “Mangkang” where Maram women from different clans and villages come out and compete in dance, folklore and musical instrument. Makang is observed in a unique way solely for women who appear in their best attires to impress the unmarried men folk who come to watch the competitions of young village girls on the occasion. ADC Chairman, Markson while speaking on the occasion said, “It is indeed an achievement of all Maram women who have contributed much for the benefit of the Maram community in different fields of developmental, social, traditional and political aspects. "The leadership of MKCWA in Maram Khullen Circle area to preserve and keep alive the traditional practices of ‘Mangkang’ and its importance on the life of Maram women is a living witness to many today”, he said, adding, "It is an exemplary lesson to keep our traditions alive and strong while taking the leadership of our women to a new height". ADC member, Rangpung John noted that, MKCWA attaining a 25 year-milestone through a journey of struggle and women’s leadership in Maram Khullen area is commendable and appreciated.
