Cheiraoba Festival
Introduction
Have you ever heard of the Cheiraoba Festival, also known as Sajibu Nongma Panba, celebrated as the lunar new year by the Meitei people in Manipur? This festival holds significant cultural importance, not just in Manipur but also in various other Indian states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Derived from Manipuri words, Sajibu marks the first month of the Meitei lunar calendar, falling in April, while Nongma signifies the first day of this month. The festival brings a joyful atmosphere to the region, with people believing that their mood on this day sets the tone for the entire year ahead.
During the Cheiraoba Festival, people engage in various festivities, including traditional rituals, feasting, and community gatherings. One notable tradition is consciously choosing to remain happy, as it's believed that happiness on this day ensures a joyous year ahead. In 2024, the Cheiraoba Festival will be observed on April 13th. Check out more!
History of Cheiraoba Festival
According to historical texts, it was during the time of King Maliya Fambalcha (1359 BC - 1329 BC) that this Festival came into being. The king was also known by the name of Koi Koi. It is believed that he ascended the throne at the young age of 25 and was a very kind and just ruler.
Major Attractions of Cheiraoba Festival
1. Preparations of Cheiraoba Festival
The festival is considered to be one of the most sacred festivals of Manipur which people celebrate with great zest and spirit. The day of the festival begins with cleaning the household and indulging in ceremonial rituals.
2. Celebrations of Cheiraoba Festival
Dance and music form an integral part of this festival. You will be awestruck by the phenomenal performances of the local participants. Apart from the dance and music performances, the locals also climb the hilltop, signifying the rise of human beings for a better future. During the evenings, the relatives also visit each other with gifts on this occasion.
3. The Cuisine
On this day, people arrange a joint family feast preparing scrumptious traditional dishes. One such dish is the Athenpot which the women of the household prepare using ingredients like rice, flowers, fruits which are then offered to the Lainingthou Sanamahi along with Leimarel Shidabi. These are the local deities worshipped in each and every household.
The elders also offer some part of the devotionally cooked food to Iram Maba Tumaba, Iram Senba Tusenba along with Kumsana Puriklai for the protection of their families in spirit. These are three deities that are generally worshipped in every local house.
After these rituals are performed people share the prepared food with their relatives as per a custom known as Mathel Laanba.
4. Hilltop Climbing
After finishing the meals, people start climbing the hilltops. The climbing of the hill is related to the upliftment of the spirits in the local culture. It is believed that by doing so, the people will make themselves available to a higher and better form of worldly life. This ritual is generally performed either in the afternoon or in the morning hours.
How to Reach
To reach Imphal, you will need to cover a total distance of about 2,388, 3,215, 1,489, and 3,459 km from other prominent Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the travel deets on how to reach here.
By Air
You will need to deboard at the Imphal Airport aka Bir Tikendrajit International Airport which is situated about 8 km from Imphal. This airport is well-routed with other Indian cities via many prominent air-carriers operating to and fro directly or either by connecting flights. Once you deboard at the airport, consider booking a cab or some other locally available means of transport to reach your destination.
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From Patna - Board IndiGo, Air India flights from Patna Airport. The airfares start from INR 6,000-7,000
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From Bhubaneswar - Board IndiGo, Air India flights from Bhubaneswar Airport. The airfares start from INR 9,000-10,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Imphal
By Train
The nearest station is the Dimapur Railway Station situated about 200-220 km away. The station is well connected with nearby districts and towns offering a good train service at a fairly well-maintained frequency. From the station, book a cab to reach your destination.
By Road
Imphal also has good road connectivity with nearby cities and towns. Depending upon your convenience and location, you can easily board a state-run or a private bus to reach here. Otherwise, you can also consider booking a cab or if you prefer, take your own vehicle here.
- From Guwahati - 490 km via NH27
- From Tezpur - 423 km via NH2
- From Jorhat - 333 km via NH2
Conclusion
Cheiraoba Festival is not just a time for merrymaking and cultural festivities; it's a profound reflection of the Meitei people's heritage and values. As communities come together to celebrate the dawn of a new year, there's a palpable sense of unity and optimism that permeates the air. The traditions upheld during this auspicious occasion serve as reminders of the importance of family, community, and positivity in navigating the journey ahead.
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FAQs About Cheiraoba Festival
Q1: What is Cheiraoba Festival?
A1: It's the lunar new year celebration of the Meitei people in Manipur, also known as Sajibu Nongma Panba.
Q2: When is the Cheiraoba Festival celebrated?
A2: It falls on the first day of Sajibu, the first month of the Meitei lunar calendar, usually in April.
Q3: What is the significance of the Cheiraoba Festival?
A3: It marks new beginnings and sets the tone for the year ahead, with people believing that their mood on this day influences the rest of the year.
Q4: What are the traditional activities during the Cheiraoba Festival?
A4: People engage in rituals, feasting, and community gatherings, emphasising happiness and positivity.
Q5: Is Cheiraoba Festival celebrated only in Manipur?
A5: No, it's also celebrated in other Indian states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, albeit by different names.
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