Sanamahi Cheng Hongba ritual held CM calls for peace, co-existence

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 29 : Chief Minister Y Khemchand prayed for lasting peace and the peaceful coexistence of all communities during the observance of Sanamahi Cheng Hongba, a traditional religious ritual today.
As in previous years, the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB) observed the annual ritual at Haying Khongbal Uphong Yum-pham.
From early morning, devotees gathered at the sacred site to offer rice to the primordial deities Laining-thou Sanamahi and Leimarel Sidabi, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity and the well-being of all.
Followers of Sana-mahism, including members of the Chothe, Kabui and Maring communities, participated in the religious observance by performing traditional worship songs and ritual dances, reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual heritage associated with the occasion.
Displaced children taking shelter in various relief camps also participated in the observance by singing devotional songs in praise of Lainingthou Sanamahi and Leimarel Sidabi.
As part of the observance, the head of the Kabui Loishang  performed the traditional practice of offering sacred wine, while devotees presented rice to the deities, praying for peace, prosperity and a bountiful harvest.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand, who is also the president of the LSTB, said that Sanamahism is not a faith confined to the Meitei community alone.
He said the participation of devotees from different communities in the observance of the ritual reflects that Sanamahism is a faith embraced by people from across Manipur.
Describing Sanamahi Cheng Hongba as an important traditional religious observance, Khemchand prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and harmony among all communities on the occasion.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the sacred ritual would strengthen harmony, unity and peaceful coexistence among all people in the State.
Keirao AC MLA L Rameshwar (LSTB vice president) also attended the programme.
He said he was delighted to see devotees from the Kabui, Chothe and Maring communities participating in the religious ceremony.
Their presence is a reflection of the spirit of a united Manipur, he said.
Saying that Sanamahism was once widely practised across Manipur, he expressed belief that promoting the indigenous faith would help foster a greater sense of unity and oneness among the people of the State.
Spouse of Chief Minister Yumnam ongbi Joybala, Manipur University of Culture (MUC) Vice Chancellor Prof Paonam Gunindro, LSTB maibarel Maisnam Iboba Luwang, former member Keisham Ibomcha Meitei, Meetei Marup Meetei Leibak secretary Angomcha Seram Gojendro Meitei  and president Tongbram Gulamjat also attended the programme.