Hiyang Hiren

Hiyang Hiren (Meitei: ꯍꯤꯌꯥꯡ ꯍꯤꯔꯦꯟ) (literally, "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]