Question

Name the local Manipuri dance festival popularly known as “festival of Gods” :

• A. Sankirtan
• B. Maibi
• C. Lai Haroba
• D. Karagattam

Hint:

\[ \textit{Lai Haroba} \] literally means: \[ \text{``Merrymaking of the Gods''} \] It is one of the most important traditional festivals of Manipur.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Manipuri culture has a rich tradition of ritualistic dance festivals connected with mythology, spirituality, and folk traditions. Among these festivals, Lai Haroba is one of the most important and ancient festivals of Manipur. The term literally means: \[ \text{``Merrymaking of the Gods''} \] and is therefore popularly known as the “festival of Gods.”

Step 1: Understand the meaning of Lai Haroba.
The term: \[ \text{Lai} = \text{God or Deity} \] and \[ \text{Haroba} = \text{Merrymaking or Celebration} \] Thus: \[ \textit{Lai Haroba} = \text{Festival of Gods} \] It is celebrated to honor traditional deities of Manipur.

Step 2: Understand the features of Lai Haroba festival.
The festival includes:
• Ritualistic dances
• Traditional music
• Mythological enactments
• Cultural performances The dances performed during this festival are believed to depict the creation of the universe and ancient cultural traditions.

Step 3: Compare with the given options.
Among the given choices:
• Sankirtan is a devotional musical tradition of Manipur.
• Maibi refers to priestesses associated with rituals.
• Lai Haroba is the famous “festival of Gods.”
• Karagattam is a folk dance form of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Lai Haroba}} \] Hence: \[ \boxed{\mathrm{(C)}} \]