"Hiyang Tannaba" (literally, "Boat race"[1]) is a traditional boat race ceremony performed as a part of the religious festival of Lai Haraoba.[2][3] It is generally organized in the month of November at many places including Thangapat (moat).[1][3] The boats called Hiyang Hiren are regarded as invested with spiritual powers and the game is associated with religious rites.[1][4] The Meiteis believe that the worship of the Hiyang Hiren will bring protection from the evils.[1]
