Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba was celebrated in Manipur here on Sunday.
The festival heralds the end of a year and the beginning of another year. Celebrated on the first day of the Manipuri Sajibu month, people offered food and vegetables to the Almighty for a bountiful and peaceful new year.
Offers were made to Ibudhou Sanamahi and Leimaren and inside the family. Outside the main gate, offerings were also made to all the gods and the goddesses who rule the outside realm. As a tradition, people climb religious places like Koubru, Thangjing, and Cheiraoching; however, pilgrimages and offerings at the holy places have stopped since May 3, 2023, as all religious places have been occupied by Kuki militants and the roads have been blocked.
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, had also conveyed her greetings on the occasion of Sajibu Cheiraoba.
Manipur Governor AK Bhalla said in a message , “I am delighted to extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of Manipur on the joyous occasion of Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba) — the Manipuri New Year’s Day, 2025. As we embrace the dawn of the New Year, let it be a moment of celebration, reflection, and renewed hope for a brighter future. This auspicious day offers us the chance to welcome new beginnings, set inspiring resolutions, and work collectively towards nurturing peace and harmony within our cherished state. May this New Year strengthen the bonds of friendship among all communities and inspire us to build a more peaceful, harmonious, and thriving Manipur. On this special occasion, I urge everyone to reaffirm their dedication to the ideals of unity, love, and progress for a brighter future.”
Th. Satyabrata Singh, Speaker, said, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to each and every one of you on the joyous occasion of Sajibu Nongma Paanba Cheiraoba. On this special day, I wish you all abundant happiness, good health, and prosperity. May the coming year bring peace, progress and harmony to our beautiful state, strengthening the bond of love and unity that define us as Manipuris.”
