Thousands gather in Manipur’s Ukhrul for the ‘Dhareo Phanit’ festival

Dhareo Phanit

Ukhrul: Dhareo Phanit, a popular pre-harvest festival, was witnessed by thousands of people from the hill district as well as other parts of the state at Hungpung village in Manipur’s Akharul district on Saturday.

Organized by the Lower Hungping Public Organization (LHPO), Dhriyo Phanit is celebrated every year in the month of October before the harvest season.

The annual one-day village fair has been one of the most sought-after festivals in Ukhrul since its inception in 1964. Dhareo comes from two words, ‘Dhar’ meaning ‘new’ and ‘reo’ meaning ‘to release’, so this festival is a celebration of plucking or reaping new crops from the fields.
During the fair, the farmers of the village and its surrounding villages earn handsomely from their newly harvested agricultural and horticultural products.

“Today, on behalf of the village, the Lower Hungpung Public Organization (LHPO) has organized this Dhareo Mela. This fair is not only for the villagers but also to give a platform to other farmers from nearby and distant villages. to promote organic farm production and livestock.
This year, farmers from distant villages like Chingjaroi, Kharasom, Khamsom, Thewa from Ukhrul district and Kangpat, Sorbang, Koso in Kamjong district bring their farm produce, especially the giant hornet, which is one of the major attractions of the festival. is one of The Asian giant hornet is considered expensive and sophisticated in the community.
Local youth KSV Ngashanpam, who runs a duck and local chicken farming business, was among the top sellers at the fair.

“Around 350 ducks worth Rs 3.5 lakh were sold in Dharyu festival this time. Most of these ducks were bought by vendors who set up stalls for lotteries and gambling during the festival,” said Nagashanpam. , who returned home from Delhi during the pandemic and started a business.