Marking the advent of Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba), the Manipuri New Year, Governor Anusuiya Uikey extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Manipur and exhorted people to embrace this joyous occasion in maintaining unity and peace within the State.
In her address, she urged to set resolutions for peace and harmony, highlighting the resilience of Manipuri communities in maintaining solidarity despite challenges.
“Let this Sajibu Nongmapanba inspire us to work together towards a brighter future for Manipur, transcending our differences for a common goal,” she appealed.
Governor Uikey asked citizens to recommit themselves to strengthening communal bonds, creating a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood regardless of differences in caste, creed, language, or religion. She called for observing the day with sincerity to usher in an era of prosperity and tranquility.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh also conveyed warm wishes to the people on this auspicious day through social media platforms, echoing sentiments of joy, prosperity, and unity across the diverse communities of Manipur.
CM Biren on social media post expressed, “On the auspicious occasion of Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba, I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur. May this festival bring joy, prosperity, and unity to all communities across our beautiful State.”
Joining in the celebration, MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand extended his greetings, highlighting the festival’s potential to promote peace, joy, and unity while BJP Manipur president A Sharda Devi urged all to uphold cultural traditions and embrace inclusivity, understanding, and mutual respect.
Sharda highlighted the festival’s symbolic significance, serving as a beacon of renewal and unity, growing familial and communal ties through traditional rituals and cultural festivities. She called for embracing values of harmony and compassion as Manipur embarks on a new year filled with hope and promise, wishing every household joy, prosperity, and peace.
About Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba
Cheiraoba, the vibrant festival marking the advent of the Sajibu lunar month, holds profound cultural significance in Manipur. On this day, locals exchange warm greetings, clean and decorate their homes, worship God and visit their kin and relatives. Besides this, people gather and climb the nearest mountain slope top symbolising the ascent of human progress. Cheiraoba is celebrated on the first day of the Sajibu lunar month, the first month of the Manipuri or Meitei lunar calendar. As per the western calendar, the Cheiraoba festival mainly falls in late March or early April. Sajibu Cheiraoba festival is the traditional New Year for the people following the Sanamahism religion in Manipur. Though Sanamahism’s religious followers traditionally celebrated it, now people of all faiths celebrate this.
According to the followers of the Meitei indigenous faith, the Meitei New Year or Sajibu Nongma Panba started during the reign of King Maliya Phambalcha between 1359 BC and 1329 BC, also known as Koi-Koi. Koikoi ascended the throne at the age of 25 years. From this day, the dating of the Meitei calendar or Cheiraoba known as Mari-Fam or MF was introduced. Hence, 1359 BC will be 25 MF, and 2000 AD will be 3334 MF in the Meitei calendar taking the birthday of Koikoi as 00 MF. King Koikoi reigned till 1364 MF; according to the Meitei calendar (the Meitei calendar is still unclear and unpublished though). Not to forget, Koi-Koi ascended the throne from King (Ningthou in Meitei) Kangba between 1405 and 1359 BC.
