Meetei, Kabui, Chothe and Maring celebrate Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba together

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 20 : In a significant milestone for Sanamahism, Meetei, Kabui, Chothe and Maring followers of the faith came together to celebrate Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba for the first time at Lamlanghupi Chothe Khul in Bishnupur district yesterday.
The unprecedented State-level celebration was organised by Yelhou Sajibu Kumhou Lup (YELKHUL), a committee formed by representatives of the Meetei, Kabui, Chothe and Maring communities, under the aegis of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board.
In this connection, LSTB has urged the State Government to set aside a sum in the Budget to allow the joint celebration to be organised on a larger scale.
Yesterday, vegetables, fruits and other eatables brought by Meetei, Kabui and Maring womenfolk were taken inside the home of Thao Jatra Chothe, Lamlanghupi Chothe Khul Chief, and offered before Lainingthou Sanamahi and Leimarel Sidabi.
Leaders of the four communities also gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings.
A public procession was also taken out followed by the hoisting of the Salai Taret flag by the community leaders and a traditional Yupan Thaba (offering of wine) ceremony.
According to Kamson Gangmumei Kabui, chairman, YELKHUL and Chief of Sawombung Kabui Khul, Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba has never been celebrated at the State-level before.
The start of the new year for the Meetei, Chothe, Maring and Kabui indigenous communities is marked by Sajibu Nongma Panba. However, some followers of the Sanamahi faith are still unaware of the exact day when the new year starts, he noted.
As a result, the decision was made for the 4 communities to celebrate the festival together with the goal of strengthening inter-community bonds and uplifting the Sanamahi faith, said Kamson.
He expressed confidence that the joint celebration will help bring peace and normalcy and aid in developing Manipur.
Meanwhile, LSTB member secretary Maisnam Shivadutta Luwang said the joint Cheiraoba celebration will bring the Meetei, Chothe, Maring and Kabui communities closer.
Commenting on the financial challenges in organising such a big event, he said the four groups pooled together their funds to make the celebration possible.
Speaking on the present condition of Manipur, he attributed the prevalence of distrust and violence in the State to lack of unity among different groups.
The State Government should realize the underlying message of this joint Cheiraoba celebration, said the LSTB member secretary.
To ensure its continuity, he urged the Government to recognize the unprecedented celebration and set aside a special sum in the State Budget to elevate it to a grander scale.
This celebration of Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba which has brought the Meetei, Kabui, Chothe and Maring communities together will help build Manipur's united front, he said.