Governor, CM, others greet on Sajibu Cheiraoba
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 08 2024:
Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba, which marks the Meetei New Year and strengthens the bond of love and brotherhood among the family will be celebrated on Tuesday with religious fervour but not so gaiety as witnessed in the past.
The festival also referred to as Meetei Cheiraoba is observed on the first day of the lunar month Sajibu.
It is the lunar New Year festival of the Meetei people who follow Sanamahism, but the celebration this year is likely to be low key affair, in view of the prevailing unrest situation.
As preparation for the festival, people on Monday purchased fruits and vegetables and other necessary items for ritual offerings to the Meetei deity Lainingthou Sanamahi on Tuesday.
Speaking to this daily at Khwairamband Keithel, one Ching subam Leishembi conceded that though the yearning for the celebration is far less compared to past years owing to the present crisis in the state, rituals associated with the festival will be performed.
She also prayed that the Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba bring an end to the present crisis and restore peace and normalcy.
Meanwhile, the Governor, chief minister and rural development minister on Monday extended greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of 'Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba', the Manipuri New Year Day.
In her message, Governor Anusuiya Uikey stated that New Year is an occasion to rejoice and for setting new resolutions, and urge all to resolve that Cheiraoba, 2024 will be a harbinger of peace and harmony in the state.
"We have been witness to many incidents which could have broken the bond between different communities but people of Manipur have shown their maturity by maintaining equanimity and shunning the group violence," she added.
"From this Sajibu Nongmapanba, let us all strive for a better Manipur setting apart our differences and working for a common goal.
We should rededicate ourselves to strengthen our bonds of friendship, so that all communities can live as brothers and sisters, notwithstanding differences in caste, creed, language and religion," she wished.
Greeting the people, chief minister N Biren said: "On this occasion, I exhort the people of Manipur to renew the strong fraternal bond and unity among different communities and strive for bringing inclusive development in the state, while seeking prosperity and happiness for all".
He wished that the festival fill all with positivity and zeal to turn one's dreams into reality and efforts into achievements.
Rural Development minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also extended his greetings on the auspicious occasion and prayed that this year's Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba brings peace and harmony in the state.
Several organisations also extended greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of 'Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba' and prayed for peace and prosperity in the state with the advent of the festival.
In separate releases, United Committee Manipur, Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) and Manipur Ima wished the people of Manipur on the occasion of Sajibu Cheiraoba, the New Year's Day for Meetei.
They prayed that the advent of the New Year brings an end to the unwanted incidents happening in the state and shows to the world the image of unity in the region.
The organisations also wished for a society without turmoil, and return of peace and stability.
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