Laishram Shilla Chanu wins Meetei Chanu

Pothashang News Service

Imphal, December 24, 2017: Laishram Shilla Chanu wins Meetei Chanu 2017 title while Saikhom Dapheni and Laishangthem Sonia Chanu bagged the 2nd and 3rd Meetei Chanu titles respectively.

Laishram Shilla Chanu is from Pishum Ningom Leirak, Saikhom Dapheni is from Khongman Zone-5 and Laishangthem Sonia Chanu is from Pallel. The winner received a cash reward of Rs 1Lakh, while the second and third title winners received Rs 75, 000 and Rs 50, 000 respectively.

Elangbam Suchitra Chanu and Oinam Merina Chanu bagged the 4th and 5th title respectively.

Sub titles awards for Ningthibi Samlang (for best hair), Nigthibi Minok (for best smile), Ningthibi khongthang (best walk), and Thouganlon Changkhonbi (for best manner) were also placed with a cash award of Rs 10, 000 each.

Ningthibi Samlang went to the winner Laishram Shilla Chanu, Nigthibi Minok was titled to Seram Priyadashani , Ningthibi khongthang to Oinam Merina Chanu, and Thouganlon Changkhonbi to Heikham Anuradha Chanu.

The grand finale of the Meetei Chanu was staged at Bhgyachandra Open Air Theatre, yester night.

The traditional costume based beauty pageant had three rounds. The introductory round was Ayukki Yenda that depicts the costume of Meetei women at the dawn everyday when they are engaged in morning activities like praying the almighty.

Lai Haraoba traditional round followed with a picturesque wardrobe of Lai Haraoba dance.

The last round was Ake Amou round. It highlighted the Meetei traditional weras of woman at cultural social ceremonies.

The Meitei Chanu was organised to preserve the cultural tradition of the Meeteis among the youth of today even if many of the traditions followed has been vanished in pace of time. It was organised by Lainingthou Sanamahi Sanapung, LSSP by forming a committee under the guidance of titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba.

The contest began on December 10 with screening followed by realty show audition on December 12. The contestant also interacted with the people at Kumbi Old Age Home. They were taken to Kangla and made aware of the history of the fort and asked them to write a passage on their visit at Kangla on December 14.

The “Phu Houba” part of audition was held at Ibudhou Chingngu Marjing Mandap, Heingang, Imphal West.Sumang Wai Teiba (courtyard mop contest) was conducted the next day at Wangoi Mamang Leikai.

Altogether 35 contestants participated in the contest. And during the course of contest 20 were selected for the grand finale.