'Saroi Khangba' ritual concludes with call to protect sacred sites
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 14 2026: The annual "Saroi Khangba" ritual, observed during the final month of the Meitei calendar, Lamta, has been successfully conducted with traditional customs and rituals.

The ancient practice, which has been performed since time immemorial, aims to ensure the well-being and long life of the people and protect them from evil forces.

The month-long religious observation culminated in the main Saroi Khangba ceremony on "Lamta Thangja" .

'Saroi Khangba' ritual concludes with call to protect sacred sites

The event was organised under the supervision of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB) by its Amaibi (priestess) and Amaiba (priest) Loisang and Pena Loisang.

Priests, priestesses, and scholars from the Lainingthou Sanamahi Shanglen played a key role, performing the rituals at five significant sacred sites - Heibok Ching's Tharoi Lok in Hiyangthang, Kongba Sandokpung, Kakwa Lamdaibung, Khurai Ahongpung, and Ima Wangthonbi Pung in Tera.

From early morning, the religious leaders invoked Lainingthou Sanamahi and Ima Leimarel Sidabi to bless the land's communities with long life and protection from evil spirits.

Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the LSTB's Amaiba Sanglakpa, Salam Mani, expressed concern over a recent trend where some individuals participating in the ritual were seen soliciting money from the public on roadsides.

He stated that this practice leads other communities to misunderstand the true meaning of the Saroi Khangba ritual.

Vidyapati Senjam, vice president of LSTB, also drew the Government's attention to the issue of land encroachment around sacred religious sites.

He urged the authorities to take timely action to protect these holy places and prevent any hindrance to religious practices.

Senjam highlighted that sites like Heibok Ching's Tharoi Lok have been used for worship since the time when gods and humans coexisted.

However, parts of Heibok Ching have been sectioned off and built upon, forcing participants in the Saroi Khangba ritual to seek permission before entering the area, he claimed.

Senjam further appealed for an end to such practices and called upon the Government and local MLAs to implement specific measures to safeguard important religious sites.