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Heikru Hidongba: the boat race on the Bijoy Govinda moat in Imphal
Two long boats racing down a narrow moat between packed banks
Heikru Hidongba is a Meitei socio-religious festival and ceremonial boat race, held once a year on the moat of the Bijoy Govinda temple at Sagolband in Imphal, Manipur, and nowhere else. It falls on the eleventh day of the Meitei month of Langban, around September. Next: 11 September 2027 (expected). Before the travel plans, note that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Manipur; its words are quoted below.
The Manipur government's holiday notification, usually published late in the previous year, fixes the day; the organisers announce the boat race in the week before.
The legend
In 1779 Bijoy Govinda's image came from the royal palace to the moat at Sagolband; Heikru Hidongba was performed and the image installed in a new temple.
A year later it was decided to hold it every year on the 11th day of the Meitei month of Langban, and only at this moat.
Customs
108 amla berries
Garlands of 108 heikru (amla) berries and of 108 hand-husked rice grains are offered to the deity, then placed on the boat's hull.
Race on the moat
Aarti is offered to the deity amid sankirtana, rowers in ceremonial ningkham and shamjim take to two boats, and the race begins.
How the day unfolds
The name joins heikru, the amla or Indian gooseberry, with hidongba, the boat ride. The day is first a ritual for the deity Shri Shri Bijoy Govinda, a form of Krishna, and only then a race.
Early in the morning, flakes of silver and gold are offered to Bijoy Govinda in an earthen vessel. A garland of 108 heikru berries, threaded on stems of hup grass, and a garland of 108 hand-husked rice grains are offered to the deity and then laid on the hull of the boat. Aarti is performed in a twin boat while sankirtana, devotional singing with drums, fills the bank. The deity is brought to view the course, the two boat leaders, the tengmaileppa, make their offerings, and the race begins, usually in the afternoon.
Each boat carries a crew with set roles: the tengmaileppa who leads, the hinao shaba who steers, a chang shaba who assists the leader, a nourungba who bails out water and a naomang shaba who helps the steersman. They wear ningkham and shamjim, traditional formal dress. A practice race is rowed the evening before. Tradition also reserves a seat for the king: he is invited the day before, and if he cannot come, Vishnu is held to occupy the royal seat.
A race counted since 1779
By its own count the festival dates from 1779, in the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra: that year the image of Bijoy Govinda was brought from the royal palace to the moat at Sagolband, Heikru Hidongba was performed, and the image was installed in a new temple. A year later it was decided to hold the festival every year on the 11th of Langban, and only at this moat. Each year's race is numbered as an edition counted from then.
Meitei tradition places the roots of the boat ceremony earlier still: Wikipedia, citing the temple's Sevayet Committee, links its beginnings to the reign of Maharaja Irengba in 984. The moat once had its own names, Tubi Irel and later Moirang Leima Thangapat, after a story of a Moirang princess. These are told as tradition. All India Radio reported large crowds on the banks at a recent race, with the Governor of Manipur among the guests.
Travel advice and permits
FCDO advice, in its own words. In its warnings for India, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says: "FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur including the capital, Imphal. Curfews and restrictions continue in parts of Manipur following ongoing ethnic violence since May 2023." Its regional page adds: "There may be curfews and other restrictions including transport disruptions and the suspension of internet services at short notice in some parts of the state. Some insurgent groups are active in north-east India including in the state of Manipur." It advises you to "avoid protests or large gatherings", "follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company" and "monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions". FCDO also warns: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)."
Heikru Hidongba is by nature a large gathering. If you do travel, go with a local travel company or hosts, and read the current FCDO page and your own government's advice before booking.
Foreign nationals. FCDO says special permits are required for areas designated as restricted or protected, that "Permit regulations can change at any time", and that you need to apply for permits 3 months before your arrival. Press reports say a Protected Area Permit is again required for Manipur; we found no official notice, so confirm with an Indian mission, the Bureau of Immigration or your tour operator. See also our India visa guide.
Indian nationals. Every Indian citizen from outside Manipur needs an Inner Line Permit before travel. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days, is not renewable and costs about ₹100; it is issued on the official ILP portal and at self-service kiosks at Imphal Airport, Mao Gate and Jiribam.
In an emergency anywhere in India, call 112. More in Is India safe?
If you are there on the day
The race is short and the space is narrow: a strip of water a few metres wide between packed banks.
- It is worship first — The morning offerings and the aarti are rites for Bijoy Govinda. Watch quietly and do not block the procession of the deity.
- Follow the local authorities — This is FCDO's advice for Manipur, and on a crowded bank it is also the practical one: keep an exit in view and follow police instructions.
FAQ
When is Heikru Hidongba?
Next: 11 September 2027 (expected). It is the 11th day of the Meitei month of Langban, around September; the Manipur government's holiday list fixes the day and the organisers announce the race the week before.
What is Heikru Hidongba?
A Meitei socio-religious festival and ceremonial boat race held on the moat of the Bijoy Govinda temple at Sagolband, Imphal. Garlands of 108 heikru (amla) berries are offered to the deity and placed on the boat before the race.
Which king started Heikru Hidongba?
The festival counts its editions from 1779, in the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, when the image of Bijoy Govinda was brought to the moat. Tradition cited by Wikipedia traces the ceremony's roots to Maharaja Irengba in 984.
What does heikru mean?
Heikru is the amla, or Indian gooseberry. Hidongba refers to the boat ride.
Is it safe to travel to Manipur for Heikru Hidongba?
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Manipur, including Imphal, and advises avoiding large gatherings there. Read its current advice and your own government's before deciding; travelling against FCDO advice can invalidate insurance.
Sources (6)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.