Following their indigenous faith besides keeping the age old tradition alive, 56 year-old village chief K Namba was crowned the 15th traditional King of the Maram community in presence of a large gathering at his native village of Maram Khullen, 86 km north of here on Thursday.
The King is still a respected authority among the Marams who are one of the biggest tribal community among the 30 ethnic communities in the State.
Following the traditional coronation ceremony at the picturesque King’s traditional house, the newly-crowned King clad in royal robes came out with his Queen and newly-appointed council of ministers to take the throne placed in front of the house.
Thursday’s coronation ceremony was held following the demise of Maram’s only Queen Apei Hinga on August 27 last year. The ceremony was attended by a large number of Maram elders and Meitei National Front president Ch Wangambi and Sushila, Deputy Director of Manipur State Archives.
According to L Hingba, President of Maram Khullen Circle Board, traditionally a King or Queen need to fast for around 40 days prior to his/her crowning ceremony. But in case of Namba, who is the father of six daughters and a son, it has been shortened to just three days.
A black cow was killed on the first day of the fast while village chief Namba was allowed to drink only wine prepared by his wife during the three days of fasting.
At the end of the fast, he had a grand feast with the people of the village, Maram elders said.
Maram Union president RK Peter speaking on the occasion called upon the people to safeguard the indigenous culture and tradition inherited from the forefathers even though one may have adopted different religions while Sushila lauded the Marams for preserving their age-old traditions and wished peace and development for the village.