Imphal: Manipur government will, for the first time, organise the Emoinu Fish Festival at Hapta Kangjeibung on January 3, next week or year.
Emoinu Iratpa, or Waakching Taranithoini Paanba, is a religious festival of lights dedicated to the Meitei goddess Imoinu Ahongbi. It’s also associated with household, hearth, family, fireplace, kitchen, wealth, peace, and prosperity in Meitei mythology and the religion of ancient Kangleipak.
Manipur’s Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo told reporters at his office that the fish fair is being held under the supervision and guidance of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
One uniqueness, Dingo Singh said, of the fish festival is that the Fishery Department is also planning to organise a “one-stop solution” for the citizens where they will be able to purchase all fresh and organic vegetables, fruits, fish, and other products found in the hills through MOMA (Manipur Organic Mission Agency under the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation) that are very essential for the Emoinu Eratpa.
H Balkrisna Singh, director of Fisheries, stated that the price of various fishes varies but will remain the same as it was during the Chakkouba fish fair.
Catla with less than 2 kg will be sold at Rs 210, but if it is 2 kg and above, it will cost Rs 270 and Rs 350 for 5 kg and above. Sareng (Wallago attu) costs Rs 1200 per kilogram.Rs 450 for Pengba/Khabak (below 300 gm and Rs 550 for above 300 gm). This time, only 2,000 kg of Sareng and over 50,000 kg of fish will be available, the official added.
Porom (Murrel) – Rs 350 per kg, Ukabi (Anabas) – Rs 350 per kg, Tunghanbi (Tilapia) – Rs 150 per kg. Ngaton – Rs 450 per kg.
Balkrishna informed that around 80 stalls, including those of the state’s agriculture and allied departments and other private firms, will also participate in the festival. The fair will start at 9 a.m.
