Imphal, March 19, 2026: People of Manipur, particularly the Meitei community, on Thursday celebrated Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba with traditional rituals, festive meals, and prayers, marking the beginning of the Meitei New Year.
Observed on the first day of the Sajibu month in the Meitei lunar calendar, the festival signifies renewal, spiritual cleansing, and the strengthening of familial and social bonds. The occasion is widely seen as a time to leave behind the past and welcome a year filled with hope, prosperity, and harmony.
The day began with customary rituals such as Athenpot Kaba, also known as Saroi Khangba. Women of the household prepared elaborate offerings comprising traditional dishes, seasonal fruits, and flowers, which were dedicated to deities including Sanamahi and Pakhangba, seeking blessings for protection and well-being.
Food formed an integral part of the celebrations, with families preparing a variety of traditional delicacies such as Eromba and Ooti. The dishes were shared among relatives, friends, and neighbours, reinforcing a sense of togetherness and community bonding.
In the afternoon, people followed the age-old custom of climbing nearby hilltops, particularly Cheiraoching, as part of the celebration. The ritual is believed to symbolically elevate one’s fortunes and ensure progress in the year ahead.
Overall, Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Meitei people, blending spirituality, tradition, and communal harmony while ushering in the New Year with optimism.
