Hiyang hiren (Meitei: ꯍꯤꯌꯥꯡ ꯍꯤꯔꯦꯟ, lit. 'large race boat') is a traditional royal race boat, used at the Hiyang Tannaba ceremony in the religious festival of Lai Haraoba.[1][2] The boat is regarded as invested with spiritual powers and is associated with religious rites.[3] The Meitei people believe that the worship of the boat will bring protection from the evils.[3] The Hiyangloi Hanchapa is responsible for making the Hiyang Hiren, which is decorated with the stern (hirubak) the head of the Sangai deer.[1] The boat is around 54 feet long, and its racing ceremony is held annually for two days.[4]
- ^ a b Sana, Raj Kumar Somorjit (November 10, 2010). The Chronology of Meetei Monarchs: From 1666 CE to 1850 CE. Waikhom Ananda Meetei. ISBN 9788184652109 – via Google Books.
- ^ Singh, E. Ishwarjit (November 10, 2005). Manipur, a Tourist Paradise. B.R. Publishing Corporation. ISBN 9788176465069 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Garg, Chitra (November 10, 2007). Travel India: A Complete Guide to Tourist. Lotus Press. ISBN 9788183820844 – via Google Books.
- ^ Rastogi, Priyanka (May 13, 2019). Early Sunrise, Early Sunset: Tales of a Solo Woman Traveler Across North East and East India. Partridge Publishing. ISBN 9781543705232 – via Google Books.