Joint Sajibu Cheiraoba celebration to promote unity in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 18 2026: A joint State-level Sajibu Cheiraoba celebration is set to take place tomorrow afternoon at Lamlangpokpi Chothe Khul in Bishnupur district.

The event aims to foster a sense of unity among the Meetei, Kabui, Chothe, and Maring communities, who have historically celebrated the new year on the same day.

The celebration aims to consolidate the idea of oneness among the different ethnic groups by observing the new year festival together.

Given that the communities already share the same date for then-respective new year celebrations, this joint initiative leverages that commonality to strengthen inter-community bonds.

Meisnam Shivadutta, member secretary of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB), has called upon the Government to pay special attention to this unifying event.

He urged the administration to allocate a separate budget to ensure that such joint celebrations can be organised on a grander scale in different locations in the coming years, further promoting the message of unity.

He also clarified Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba timings amid public confusion over overlapping "Thasi" and "Nongma Panba" dates.

He explained that Sajibu Nongma Panba begins after 6:52:26 am, there are no impediments to performing religious rites after this specific time.

The Lainingthou Sanamahi Shanglen will also commence rituals, including changing the deity's clothes, from 7 am onwards, added Shivadutta.

Meanwhile, the Kabui Union, Manipur has urged people to cherish their heritage, saying, "Other people's traditions belong to them, our own divine traditions are our own".

The Union also appealed to the people to light candles at home on Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba evening, symbolising unity and remembrance.

Comment