Panthoibi Khongul facts for kids
Panthoibi Khongul (Meitei: ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯢꯕꯤ ꯈꯣꯡꯒꯨꯜ) is an old Meitei story. Its name means "in quest of Panthoibi" or "Panthoibi's footprint." This special book tells the exciting story of the goddess Panthoibi. It focuses on her journey and her search for true love.
The story is mainly about the deep love between Panthoibi and her chosen partner, Nongpok Ningthou. It describes how Panthoibi left her husband's home to be with Nongpok Ningthou. Many experts think this story was first written around the 12th century AD.
The text also explains how the famous festival called Lai Haraoba began. This festival celebrates the special coming together of Panthoibi and Nongpok Ningthou.
Contents
What is Panthoibi Khongul?
Panthoibi Khongul is a very important piece of writing from the Meitei people. It is more than just a story; it is a narrative that shares cultural beliefs. The book tells about the adventures of the goddess Panthoibi. It explores her feelings and her strong desire to find her true love. This ancient work gives us a peek into the past. It shows us how people thought about love and destiny long ago.
The Love Story of Panthoibi
The main part of Panthoibi Khongul is the love story. It is about the goddess Panthoibi and her beloved, Nongpok Ningthou. Panthoibi was already married, but her heart belonged to Nongpok Ningthou. The story describes her brave decision to leave her husband's house. She chose to follow her heart and find her true soulmate. This part of the story shows strong emotions. It talks about devotion and the power of true love.
How Lai Haraoba Festival Began
The Panthoibi Khongul also tells us about the start of the Lai Haraoba festival. This festival is very important in Meitei culture. The story says that Lai Haraoba began after Panthoibi and Nongpok Ningthou finally united. Their union was a joyful event. The festival celebrates this special moment. It honors the gods and goddesses. It also celebrates the creation of the world. The festival includes traditional dances and songs. These performances retell ancient stories.
Editions of the Text
Over the years, the story of Panthoibi Khongul has been shared. Different versions of the text have been published. This helps more people read and learn about this important work.
- In 1963, a version of "Panthoibi Khongul" was published. This edition was put together by M. Chandra Singh.
- Later, in 1968, another edition of the story was published. This one was prepared by N. Ibobi Singh.
These publications help keep the ancient story alive. They allow new generations to read about Panthoibi's quest.
