One of the biggest festivals of Manipur- Ningol Chakkouba was held across the State with religious fervour and gaiety. This is the biggest festival of the Meitei community but the scenario has changed from the last many years with the participation of different communities in the festival.

The festival is held every year on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei of the Meitei calendar. The main component of the festival is the visit of married sisters to their maternal homes for grand feast and joyous reunion followed by giving away the gifts.

It is customary for the son of the family to extend a formal invitation to his sister for Ningol Chakkouba a week advance of the gathering. The festival is held today outside Manipur where Manipuris are settled.

Last year, the festival could not be held due to ethnic violence in the State.