Panthoibi Khonggul

**Panthoibi Khonggul** (, literally, _"in quest of Panthoibi"_ or _"Panthoibi's footprint"_), also spelt as **Panthoipi Khongkul**, is an ancient Meitei literary work (puya), narrating about the quest of Lady Panthoibi. The text highlights the love story of Panthoibi and her true lover Nongpok Ningthou.

The text also talks about how the festival Lai Haraoba was begun after the union of the two lovers.

Panthoipi Khongkul is a traditional story that shows a love that goes against old social customs and physical challenges. The title can mean either literally following Panthoipi after she left her husband’s home, or it can describe her special and changing nature. The second meaning is more fitting in the context of the story.

## Early life and suitors

Panthoipi was a beautiful maiden born to a Meitei king. She lived in the ningol ka, a chamber for unmarried daughters. Many worthy men asked for her hand in marriage. The first was Sapaipa, a king from the western part of the valley. He promised to build good roads, strong bridges, a large house, and fish ponds for her. However, Panthoipi rejected him. She thought that even these grand offers were not enough for her.

## Marriage to Taram Khoinucha

Later, she was married to Taram Khoinucha. He was the son of Khaba Sokchrongba, king of the Khaba dynasty, and his queen Manu Teknga. This time, the wedding arrangements were much more elaborate. A special bridge was made using iron poles for support, silver plates for planks, and gold rods for side rails. The wedding was grand, and Panthoipi was taken to her new home.

## Rebellion against married life

Panthoipi did not behave like a traditional married woman. She liked to stay outdoors, playing in the meadows and bathing in the rivers. One day, while outside, she met Angoupa Kainou Chingsompa, the Lord of the Langmai Hills. He was very handsome and powerful. They fell in love immediately. He asked her to run away with him to his land. But Panthoipi did not agree right away because only five days had passed since her wedding. She decided to wait for the right time.

## Secret meetings and escape

The two lovers continued to meet secretly. The writer openly describes their secret meetings. This made her husband’s family suspicious. Her father-in-law, Khaba Sokchrongba, pretended to be dead to make her feel sad and responsible. However, Panthoipi used this as a chance to leave. She escaped and ran away with the man she truly loved.

## Pursuit and celebration

The Khaba royal family, led by her father-in-law, tried to catch her, but they failed. Panthoipi and her lover were finally united. Their reunion was celebrated with music and dance on the sunny hills of Langmai. Even divine beings joined in the celebration under Nongpok Ningthou.

## Later worship and legacy

The rest of the story talks about the happiness of the couple after they united. It also tells of their divine qualities. The Khaba people later began to worship them. Their worship included dance and music. This later became the early form of the famous Lai Haraoba festival.

## Editions

- In 1963, the scripture "Panthoibi Khongkul" was published by M. Chandra Singh.
- In 1968, the scripture was again published by N. Ibobi Singh.

## Bibliography

- Ariba Manipuri Sahityagee Saklon