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Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba
April 9 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sajibu Cheiraoba, also known as Meetei Cheiraoba or Manipuri New Year, is a significant festival celebrated by the Meitei community in the Indian state of Manipur. It marks the beginning of the Meitei lunar calendar year, and it usually falls in the month of March or April. The festival is observed on the first day of the lunar month of Sajibu.
Key features and customs associated with Sajibu Cheiraoba include:
1. **New Year Celebration:** Sajibu Cheiraoba is essentially the celebration of the Meitei New Year. It is a time when people come together to welcome the arrival of a new year with hope, joy, and optimism.
2. **Cleaning and Purification:** Prior to the festival, homes are thoroughly cleaned, and people participate in a ritualistic bath to symbolize purification and the shedding of the past year’s negativity.
3. **Offerings and Prayers:** Families visit local temples or shrines to offer prayers and seek blessings for the upcoming year. Traditional Meitei rituals and ceremonies are performed during these visits.
4. **Feasting:** Like many festivals, Sajibu Cheiraoba involves the preparation and sharing of special meals with family and friends. Traditional Manipuri dishes are often served during this festive occasion.
5. **Cultural Performances:** Various cultural events, including traditional dances, music, and folk performances, are organized to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Meitei community.
6. **Community Gatherings:** Sajibu Cheiraoba brings communities together, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural identity. People exchange greetings and good wishes for the new year.
7. **Traditional Attire:** Many people dress in traditional Meitei attire, adding to the festive atmosphere. Traditional outfits, jewelry, and accessories are worn during the celebrations.
8. **Torchlight Processions:** In some areas, torchlight processions are organized, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the beginning of a new cycle.
Sajibu Cheiraoba is not only a time for revelry but also a period for reflection, renewal, and spiritual observance. It reflects the cultural richness and traditions of the Meitei community in Manipur. The festival highlights the importance of familial bonds, community spirit, and a fresh start with the dawn of the new year.