Lei Langba (Khamba Thoibi)

Lei Langba () is an event from the Khamba Thoibi classical epic in Moirang Kangleirol genre of Meitei mythology and folklore. It takes place in the ancient Moirang kingdom and occurs before the Lamjel event. The event centers on flower gathering (Lei Hekpa), rivalry between Khuman Khamba and Angom Nongban Kongyamba, garment borrowing (Phee Waiba), main flower collection (Lei Langba), patterns of flowers (Leiron), flower distribution (Lei Yenba), Khamba Thoibi Jagoi dancing, with devotion to God Thangjing.

 Appointment of Khamba 

King Chingkhu Telheiba of the Moirang kingdom appointed Khuman Khamba as Khuntak Leiroi Hanjaba (Floriculture Minister of Khunthak subdivision). His duty was to gather flowers from the hills for religious and royal purposes.

Princess Thoibi prepared food for Khamba and packed it in a bundle of leaves. She tied it carefully with silks of seven kinds.

 Journey to the flower hills 

On the next day, Khamba and Angom Nongban Kongyamba went together to gather flowers. Kongyamba falsely claimed that the flower-growing area belonged to his father and threatened Khamba with the king’s punishment if he encroached. Khamba, unaware of the deception, asked where he should gather flowers. Kongyamba pointed him toward the southern hills.

Khamba went there but found no flowers. He prayed to God Thangjing for help. God Thangjing took pity on him and sent a whirlwind carrying the fragrance of flowers. Khamba followed it and found a tree full of flowers. He gathered them and threw them to the ground. By divine grace, none of the petals were damaged. Khamba thanked God Thangjing for the blessing.

 Conflict between Khamba and Kongyamba 

While returning, Khamba sang songs in praise of Princess Thoibi. Kongyamba heard the singing and became angry. He demanded that Khamba carry his flowers as well, but Khamba refused. A fight broke out between them, but it ended due to hunger.

The aroma of Khamba’s food was very strong and pleasant. Kongyamba noticed this, but before he could eat his own food, crows descended and consumed it. This made him very angry. After returning home, he vented his anger on his wife.

 Plot against Khamba 

Kongyamba sent his men to investigate Khamba’s food. They questioned the Ningon Lakpa (women affairs minister) at the palace about any feast happened on the previous day, but no feast had been held. Kongyamba then began planning further harm against Khamba.

He gathered people in front of Khamba’s house and falsely announced that everyone must wear luxurious clothes and gold and silver ornaments for a festival of the gods, claiming it was the king’s order. The people believed him. When Khamnu questioned him, Kongyamba scolded her harshly. She wept in shame, and Khamba felt sorrow because they did not own such fine clothes.

 Help from Minister Thonglen 

That night, Khamba and Khamnu dreamed of their parents, who told them that their clothes of honor were kept in Minister Thonglen’s house. They went there immediately, even at night. Security guards caught them, thinking they were thieves, and brought them before Minister Thonglen in the morning.

Thonglen recognized them as the children of his late friend Puremba. He gave them the clothes, taught them dance, sent servants to help them, and built them a new house.

Princess Thoibi and her maid Senu later came to visit Khamba but failed to recognize his new house because it was so well built. Thoibi was shocked to see Khamba and Khamnu dressed in rich clothes and briefly feared Khamba had married another woman. She later learned the truth.

 Flower offering ceremony 

During the ceremony, Angom Nongban Kongyamba first offered flowers to the king, then to the queen, and then to the high officers of the kingdom. When it was Khamba’s turn, he feared breaking ceremonial rules and sought guidance from the priestess. He first offered the flowers to God Thangjing, then to the king, the queen, and the high officers.

Everyone admired Khamba’s flowers, and he received rare gifts. The gifts given to Khamba were far more valuable than those given to Kongyamba.

 Dance before God Thangjing 

During the dance ceremony, Kongyamba and his women danced first. Later, Khamba and Princess Thoibi danced together before the shrine of God Thangjing. Their performance delighted the audience, who shouted with joy.

At the end of the ceremony, Khamba and Thoibi knelt together before God Thangjing.

 Related pages 
 Lai Haraoba
 Traditional Meitei religion

 References 

Category:Meitei mythology
Category:Meitei folklore
Category:History of Manipur