To promote and popularise the indigenous game of Mukna in the international arena, the first North East 
Mukna festival was held under the aegis of All Manipur Mukna Association (AMMA) at the historic Hafta Kangjeibung, a playground near Royal Palace in Imphal recently.
Mukna festival was held under the aegis of All Manipur Mukna Association (AMMA) at the historic Hafta Kangjeibung, a playground near Royal Palace in Imphal recently.Mukna is an indigenous style of wrestling played between two male rivals as a test of sheer physical strength and skill. The game is an absolute must for the closing ceremonies of Manipur’s merry festival of deities the Lai Haraoba festival. Mukna is a highly popular and prestigious game which enjoyed royal patronage in the olden days.
Manipuri Martial Arts still remains part and parcel of Manipuri life and culture and it teaches one to be humble and to lay down one’s life to defend the weak and respect life.
Manipur’s titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba was the Chief Guest during the inaugural function while Chief Whip of Manipur’s ruling front ministry and MLA Tongbram Mangibabu who was the Chief Guest of the closing function sought everyone’s support in promoting and popularizing the game.
Similarly AMMA President and former minister Dr Moirangthem Nara appealed to all to save and support Mukna for the future generations.
The officials present at the end of the festival resolved to form a Mukna Federation of North East States to uplift the standard of the game and to promote it at the national level besides resolving to hold Mukna competitions every year in the region under a common rule.