Celebrate Holi but in a smarter, cultural way, with a story attached to every bit. That’s the Yaoshang Festival in Manipur, a famous week-long celebration with traditions, music, dance, and colors! Over five days, the fun starts with the burning of the Yaoshang Mei thaba, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Locals insist that you participate in Thabal Chongba, a lively group dance, along with folk performances, sports, and yes, a fun and controlled color play!
Unlike the typical North Indian Holi, the Yaoshang festival celebration is all about devotion, community, and sheer joy, giving travelers with WanderOn a festival that’s not only Instagram-worthy but also deeply meaningful.
What is the Yaoshang Festival?
Yaoshang is an important traditional festival celebrated by the Meitei community in Manipur, India. It is often referred to as the Manipuri version of Holi. It is held annually for five days during the full moon of the lunar month Lamta (February - March). Yaoshang screams religious devotion, cultural heritage, and social celebration among the tourists and locals alike.
Traditionally, this festival begins with rituals and prayers at temples, particularly the Govindajee temple in Imphal, honoring Lord Krishna, and gradually evolves into festivities. Cultural performances, folk dances, music, sports competitions, and fairs are the integral parts that make the Yaoshang Festival more special.
The Yaoshang Festival celebrates the spirit of community through various activities, including the burning ritual (Yaoshang Mei Thaba), traditional dances (Thabal Chongba), children running to collect money donations (Nakatheng), and the preparation of traditional sweets (Chak-Hao-Kheer).
Yaoshang Festival: Key Highlights
- Religious rituals: This festival starts with the Yaoshang meithaba, which is a ritual burning of a straw hut that represents the victory of good over evil. The devotees also visit Sri Govindajee temple to perform rituals that have been practiced for centuries
- Thabal Chongba: This is a very important feature of the Yaoshang Festival celebration, this traditional group dance involves men and women forming circles and dancing under moonlight. Tourists are often encouraged to join, and it is a fun way to experience local customs firsthand.
- Nakatheng: It symbolizes joy, unity and playful spirit. Rooted in community bonding, Nakatheng involves friendly challenges, laughter and shared celebration, bringing people together across neighbourhoods.
- Folk performances: Alongside dances, this festival features traditional music, martial arts demonstrations, and local sports, offering a complete celebration experience.
Yaoshang Festival Dates 2026
In 2026, the Yaoshang Festival in Manipur begins on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, which is the full moon day of the Meitei Lunar month of Lamta, traditionally considered the start of celebrations.
The festival continues for five days following this date, with community events, rituals, dances, and festivities throughout this period.
- Main celebration day (Full Moon/Yaoshang start): March 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Typical festival span: March 3-7, 2026 (five continuous days of celebration)
Why Is It Called Traditional Holi in Manipur?
- The traditional Holi in Manipur differs from North India’s Holi because it emphasizes rituals, traditions, and community.
- Cultural elements like temple visits, folk music, and Thabal Chongba make it a festival of experience and heritage, not just colors.
- This distinction is crucial for tourists; understanding it ensures respectful participation and a more authentic experience.
Suggested read: Holi celebration in Mathura
How to Reach Manipur for Yaoshang?
By Air
The easiest and most popular way to reach Manipur is by flying into Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (Imphal, formerly Tulihal Airport), just about 8 km from the city center. It has regular flights connecting from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and other northeast hubs.
Once you land, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs can take you to Imphal city or nearby towns within 20–30 minutes.
Tip: During festival seasons like Yaoshang, flights can fill up fast. Book early to secure seats and better fares.
By Train
Manipur does not currently have direct railway connectivity, so there are no direct trains to Imphal.
The nearest major railhead is Dimapur in Nagaland (about 215 km from Imphal). From Dimapur, you can continue to Manipur by:
- Bus (regular services available)
- Taxi or shared vehicle
- Private car
This road journey typically takes around 6–7 hours and goes through scenic hilly routes.
A secondary railhead option is the Jiribam station (Assam/Manipur border), about 225 km away, from where you can continue by road.
By road
Manipur is well connected by road to neighboring states like Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
Major highway routes include:
- NH 2 / AH1 – Connects Imphal from Dimapur (Nagaland) and onward to Guwahati
- NH 37 – Connects from Silchar (Assam) to Manipur
- NH 150 / 39 / 53 – Serves internal state and inter-state road connectivity
Yaoshang Festival 2026: Day-by-Day Celebration
Day 1: Yaoshang Meithaba and Nakatheng
- The actual festival starts with Yaoshang Meithaba, which is the burning of a thatched hut made of bamboo, twigs, straw, and hay. This is all about the victory of good over evil, just like Holika Dahan but in a different way.
- Children and youngsters in traditional clothes go from house to house to perform Nakatheng, singing folk blessings in exchange for small donations. These donations are later used to buy sweets or to pay for communal festivities.
Tourist tips:
Witnessing Yaoshang Meithaba at sunset shows the deep cultural roots of the festival.
Respect local religious observances before joining any door-to-door festivities.
Day 2: Pichkari Day, Sankirtan and Early Color Play
- The second day is also known as Pichkari Numit, where people start using gulal and water guns playfully.
- Sankirtan and Pala Eshei, devotional songs and kirtans, are performed at temples such as Shree Govindajee and Bijoy Govindaji, and sometimes at homes.
- Children perform Nakatheng and sometimes block roads playfully to collect donations before processions.
Tourist tips:
This day is great for participating in color play and taking part in spiritual processions, but remain respectful where religious songs or prayers are happening.
Day 3: Thabal Chongba and social dances
- This night is also considered to be the highlight of the festival, and it is “Thabal Chongba,” or the “moonlight dance.”
- Men and women dressed in traditional clothes gather in large circles and dance to the rhythm of music with their hands joined. This dance brings unity in society and is a part of local tradition.
- In some places, “Mou Thabal” or “Leishabi Chakchanaba” takes place, and Thabal Chongba is organized by married women and girls.
Tourist tips:
Wear comfortable, modest clothing. Tourists are welcome, but follow local etiquette and join respectfully.
Day 4: Sports, Games and Community Activities
- Community sports meets are organized in and around the villages and towns, with indigenous sports such as Mukna (wrestling), or even football, tug-of-war, and other games organized for participants of all ages.
- Cultural events such as Shumang Leela (theatre), debate competitions, and musical competitions are common.
Tourist Tips
Sports events are family‑friendly and give a close insight into Manipuri community life.
Local feasts often take place in conjunction with game; don’t miss the chance to try special dishes like Chak-hao-kheer, Nga Thongba, Eromba, Chamthong, Paknam and Nga Atouba Thongba.
Day 5: Family & Feasts
- The final day sees the culmination of temple visits, blessings, and concluding rituals.
- People enjoy community feasts, sharing traditional Manipuri foods with friends, family, and visitors.
- Some localities host farewell Thabal Chongba dances or final sports events to formally end the celebration.
Tourist tips
This is the ideal day to thank your hosts, take photos, and participate in last‑moment festivities.
Suggested read: Holi in South India
Yaoshang vs. Holi: What Makes it Different?
- Origin: Yaoshang has its roots in Meitei culture and Vaishnavism. Holi has its origin in the Krishna-Radha stories.
- Duration: Yaoshang is celebrated for five days, while Holi is celebrated for 1-2 days.
- Rituals: Yaoshang begins with Yaoshang meithaba and temple prayers. Holi primarily consists of Holika Dahan and color play.
- Community dance: Yaoshang has Thabal Chongba, which is an organized moonlight dance. Holi has no organized dances.
- Cultural activities: Yaoshang includes Meitei music, traditional games, theater, and community meals. Holi primarily consists of street celebrations and parties.
Tourist Guide and Tips for Yaoshang Festival Celebration
1. Best time to Visit for Yaoshang
Yaoshang Festival date 2026: March 3-7.
Arrive 1-2 days early to explore Imphal and nearby villages before the festivities begin.
Evening events, especially Thabal Chongba, are best experienced under moonlight.
2. Where to experience the Yaoshang Festival?
- Imphal: Central hub for official ceremonies, temple rituals, and major dances.
- Local villages: Offer authentic experiences—Nakatheng, folk songs, and community games.
- Riverbanks & Open Grounds: Common for sports competitions and light-color play.
- Dress modestly: Respect temple rituals; traditional attire is appreciated.
- Ask before photographing, especially during rituals and Thabal Chongba.
- Participate respectfully: Join dances and color play without disrupting rituals.
- Respect the elders: Yaoshang is community-oriented; follow local guidance when interacting.
- Day 1: Attend Yaoshang Meithaba and Nakatheng, perfect for experiencing the culture.
- Day 2: Attend devotional music (Sankirtan) and early color play.
- Day 3: Attend Thabal Chongba at night, the highlight of the festival.
- Day 4: Attend sports and folk competitions, meet people, and have festival food.
- Day 5: Attend community feasts and farewell ceremonies.
- Must-try dishes: Chak-hao-kheer (black rice pudding), Eromba (spicy mashed vegetables), local sweets
- Drink locally made herbal teas or juices for a refreshing break.
- Street vendors sell snacks during festivities; try them!
6. Packing and Essentials
Comfortable shoes for dances and walking in villages.
Light cotton clothing-colored powders are used lightly, but stains are possible.
Reusable water bottle—stay hydrated in the March sun.
Camera/phone with extra battery—many Instagram-worthy moments during Thabal Chongba and folk performances.
- Join Nakatheng early in villages: children and locals love sharing songs and sweets.
- Attend a local Shumang Leela performance, a traditional theatre often overlooked by tourists.
- Visit nearby temples at sunset; witness rituals when crowds are smaller.
- Try Thabal Chongba in a smaller village for a more intimate, authentic experience.
Suggested read: Kumaoni Holi 2026
