Manipur celebrates Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba with religious fervour

IMPHAL, March 22 (EMN): Prayer to the almighty by offering flowers, fruits and seasonal dishes, traditional family feasting, climbing nearby hillocks, particularly Cheriraoching and Chinga hillocks in the state capital by braving the ongoing downpour in the afternoon etc., marked Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba, the Meitei New Year, in Manipur on Wednesday.

Special vegan dishes were also prepared as offerings to the deities. After the preparation, the food was offered by the elders of the house to three deities for the protection of the family, while married women offer gifts to their parents and brothers on the occasion.

On the eve of the festival, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, greeted the citizens on the eve of Sajibu Cheiraoba and expressed hoped that the festival would bind different communities of India with love, harmony and affection.

“May these festivals bind different communities of India in bonds of love,harmony and affection and bring happiness and prosperity for all, “Murmur said.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the Union Home minister, Amit Shah, have also greeted the people on the occasion.

In a tweet, Modi wrote, “Best wishes on Sajibu Cheiraoba. Have a great year ahead.”

Manipur Governor, Anusuiya Uikey; Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh; assembly speaker, council of ministers and others also greeted the people on Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba.

In her message, Governor Uikey said New Year is an occasion for the people to rejoice and look forward to the future with hope.

“On this occasion, I urge all to dedicate themselves once again to the promotion of peace and harmony in the state for making a better Manipur.”

In his message, the chief minister, N Biren Singh, also greeted the people on the occasion and wished that the New Year might fill people with positivity and zeal to turn dreams into reality and efforts into achievements.

“Let us once again dedicate ourselves to taking Manipur to greater heights. I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year,” Biren said in his message.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker, Th. Satyabrata Singh, and other ministers also wished the people on the occasion.