Cheiraoba celebrated amid greetings

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 18, 2018: Cheiraoba, New Years Day was celebrated on the first day, today, of lunar month Sajibu with pomp and gaiety by a large section of the Meitei/Meetei community.

People enjoyed sumptuous meal served with multiple cuisines in the families. Married women gets blessing from her brothers receiving gifts from their sisters.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in their greetings wish for a prosperous Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Sajibu Cheiraoba.

Governor of Manipur Njama Heptulah greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of “Sajibu Nongmapanba (Cheiraoba)” – “I am hopeful that the advent of the New Year will further cement the bond of friendship among the different communities in the state. On the occasion of Sajibu Nongmapanba, I urge all to reduce themselves once again to the promotion of peace and harmony in the state for making a better Manipur.”

Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh said in his message that the festival heralds the advent of the New Year and is celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety. “I join the people of Manipur in the celebration of Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba festival and hope and pray that the festival will bring joy, prosperity and peaceful coexistence among all the communities living in the state,” it said.

The deputy chief minister, Yumna Joykumar Singh, Speaker Y. Khemchand Singh, Works minister Th. Biswajit Singh, art and culture minister L. Jayantakumar Singh, forest ministerTh. Shyamkumar urged the people to work together towards achieving a better life in this coming year with the coming of the occasion.

On this day people climb on the hills to attain high principles of life. People crowded at Cheirao Ching (a hill) at Thangmeiband in Imphal and enjoyed the festive location with much fun. They greet one another for a happy and prosperous year. In the evening Thabal Chonba (a traditional dance) has been a compulsory event of the festival.

Traditional New Year ’s Day is also celebrated in Maharastra, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh etc.