Our Correspondent
Imphal, March 29 : Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba, the New Year of the Manipuris was celebrated widely in Manipur on Wednesday. Celebrated on the first day of the Manipuri month, Sajibu, which falls in the month of March or April, last year was held on April 8.
Praying to almighty Gods by offering flowers, fruits and seasonal dishes, traditional family feasting, climbing nearby hillocks particularly Cheriraoching and Chinga hillock here in the afternoon, etc., marked the occasion.
Special dishes are prepared from vegetables to be offered to deities for a grand feast for families. After the preparation, the food is offered by the elders of the house to three deities for the protection of the family. Married women give gifts to their parents and brothers on the occasion. The youths seek the blessings of the elders.President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Naredra Modi, Bharatiya janata Party National President have greeted the people on the occasion of the Spring festival. Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, assembly speaker Yumnam Khemchand, former chief minister and congress legislature party leader Okram Ibobi Singh and others have extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion of the Meitei New Year.
In her message, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said “We have witnessed incidents which could have broken the bond between different communities but people of Manipur have shown their maturity by maintaining peace and Shunning violence ,” adding that from this Sajibu Cheiraoba onwards let us strive together for a better Manipur setting apart out differences and working for a common goal.
In his message the Chief Minister Biren expressed hope that the festival will bring joy, prosperity and peaceful co-existence among all the people of the state while Speaker Khemchand wished that the New Year brings in peace, harmony and prosperity in the state.
