Manipur celebrates New Year with fervor

Manipur marked its New Year celebrations with unprecedented unity and joy as the Meetei, Kabui, Chothe, and Maring communities came together for the first-ever joint state-level Sajibu Cheiraoba celebration. The historic event was held at Lamlangpokpi Chothe Khul in Bishnupur district on Thursday.
Traditionally, each of these communities observes the New Year on the first day of Sajibu, the first month of the Manipuri lunar calendar, which usually falls in March-April. This year, they chose to celebrate collectively, aiming to foster harmony and strengthen inter-community bonds. Rituals were performed at the temple of Sanamahi, the supreme deity of indigenous faiths, at the residence of the Chothe Khul village chief.
Organizers highlighted that the joint celebration was intended to consolidate the idea of oneness among ethnic groups who already share the same date for their New Year festivities. The day was marked by traditional practices such as cleaning and decorating homes, preparing special dishes, and offering prayers for peace and prosperity. Married women visited their parental homes with gifts, while families gathered for feasts.
In keeping with tradition, the ‘Chahitaba’—a symbolic figure who bears the sins of the people for the year—was selected during a special ritual at the royal palace. Later in the afternoon, people climbed nearby hills, a practice believed to bring them closer to the divine.
The celebrations also featured the popular folk dance Thabal Chongba, once confined to the Yaoshang festival, now performed across localities during the night.
Governor Ajay Kumar Balla and Chief Minister Y. Khemchand extended greetings to the people on the occasion. The Governor wished for joy, prosperity, and harmony, emphasizing that the festival is a time to look forward with hope. The Chief Minister described the New Year as a sacred festival of deep cultural and spiritual significance, offering prayers to Lainingthou Sanamahi and welcoming a new cycle of renewal and prosperity.
The joint celebration, blending tradition with unity, brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, offering a moment of joy and cultural pride amid the challenges facing the state.