New Delhi: Women’s power was emphasized in the violence-hit Manipur procession during the 75th Republic Day parade in state governments’ decorative procession.
The 75th Republic Day celebration of the country took place today (26.01.2024). As part of the ceremony, decorative floats, tri-army motorcades, air force feats and parades to showcase the country’s multiculturalism were held. Women’s power was emphasized in the violence-hit Manipur chariot procession of state governments.
Manipur State Vehicle…: For the Manipur State Orti, emphasis was placed on celebrating the power of women. Ethnic violence broke out in the northeastern state of Manipur in May last year. In the violence between the Kuki tribe and the Maithei community, a gruesome video of two women belonging to the Kuki tribe being stripped naked by a gang of Maithei men and paraded through the streets shocked the entire country.
It was amidst these influences that the Manipur state chariot came first in the parade of state governments’ decorated chariots on the Republic Day celebrations. Also, the Manipur state car was designed to celebrate women power. Along with a woman collecting lotus stalks from Loktak Lake, one of Manipur’s largest water bodies, scenes related to the Ima Keethel market in Manipur’s capital Imphal were also featured in the decorative vehicle.
Ima Keethel.. means ‘Mother’s Market’ in Manipur. Ima Keethel is a market located in the heart of the state capital Imphal. It is a market run entirely by women traders. Established around 500 years ago, this market has around 5000-6000 women vendors. Men’s shops are prohibited in this market. If men try to set up shops in defiance of the ban, they will be punished by the Manipur government. Scenes from this market were featured in Manipur’s decorative vehicles.
Apart from these, the decorative vehicle also featured information about India’s first manufacturer of lotus silk. Pijiyashanthi Dongbram of Thanga village in Manipur recently became the country’s first lotus silk producer. To celebrate this, there were displays in Manipur’s decorative chariots.