Hiyang Tannaba, boat race of Manipur


  Hiyang Tannaba is a traditional boat race of Manipur dating back to a few centuries and was originally celebrated during the Manipuri Lunar month of Hiyangei Tha or October-November. The race begins with a ritualistic ceremony to Lord Sanamahi, the ruling deity of every Manipuri household, praying for safety and protection. 
                        

  Manipuri ancient folklore dates back the beginning of this race to Manipuri King Luwang Ningthou Punshiba who is said to have crafted the first boat in this ancient land. He had two craftsmen namely Wangmanao Sinmeiba and Nungban Wangmitkhu Khuteiba. Over the time the “hi” or the canoe slowly developed into that of the “hiyang” or the long boat sometimes almost 70 feet in length. It was believed that in the later period during the reign of King Hiyangloi Ningthou, it became a sport and a source of entertainment when after a successful hunt he called for a boat race to celebrate his hunting expedition.This was the beginning of a tradition that began hundreds of years ago and is still being practiced in Manipur till today.

The “hiyang” consists of two portions, the “hiru” which is the bow and “hinao” the stern. In the original hiyangs the antlers of the Sangai deer “cervis eldi eldi” was affixed on the bow. Legend has it that the elder brother of King Punshiba  namely Pudangkoi Khutkoiba met a tragic end and was believed to have been re-incarnated as a Sangai and it was in a bid to honour him that the king ordered to affix the deer`s antlers thus symbolizing his deceased brother. And on the hinao or the stern was attached a human head depicting a Khuman warrior known as Kwakpa Leitongba or Khuman Kwakpa who was earlier slain in battle by a Meitei Warrior.

  The race is done usually between two boat. Their length is not fixed, and can carry as many sailors as they want, the minimum being 20. Along with the boats, the sailors are also dressed in colourful

traditional garbs for easy identification. The teams have a Tengmai Leppa or captain who positions themselves at the bow of the boat. The captain positions himself at the bow of his boat. Judges too are appointed - one positions him at the starting line and the other at the finishing line. Supporters of both teams are present for encouragement. The supporters, who are the intrinsic part of the game, are known as hiban chenba or khongban chenba.





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