Cheiraoba is considered as one of the most important
festivals in Manipur. It is worshiped with reverence and joy, mainly by the
Meiteis kingdom. Usually celebrated in April, it is the beginning of the new
year for Meitei in Manipur and other places. According to the Hindu solar
calendar, Vaishnava followers celebrate on April 13 or 14 every year. Traditional
dishes like eromba, pakora, ooti and more are prepared for the local deity with
colorful flowers and incense sticks in front of the gate. We also exchange food
with our neighbors.
Information table of Cheiraoba
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Topic
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Knowledge
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|
Date
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9
th April 2024
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Festival
Name
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Cheiraoba
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Meaning
of Cheiraoba
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The advent of the New Year or a new beginning |
|
significance | The festival is celebrated to strengthen the relations or bonds of love and
brotherhood among families, relatives, and neighbors. |
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Observed
by
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Meitei people
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|
Duration
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It
is a week-long |
When is Cheiraoba celebrated
Cheiraoba is usually celebrated in the month of April and
marks the beginning of the lunar new year for the Meiteis residing in Manipur
and elsewhere. While the followers of Sanamahism, Meitei’s indigenous religion,
celebrate it on the first day of the lunar new year, the followers of Vaishnav
Hindus celebrate it on the 13th or 14th of April every year according to the
solar Hindu calendar.
How they celebrated Cheiraoba
On this day, Meiteis clean their houses and dress up in
their traditional attires to mark the occasion. Traditional cuisines such as
eromba, pakora, ooti, and many more are prepared and offered to the local deity
in addition to flowers and incense sticks in front of the gates. The dishes are
also exchanged with neighbors.
Significance of Cheiraoba festival
Sajibu Nongma Panba, the Cheiraoba festival of the Meitei
community in Manipur in northeastern India, is celebrated to celebrate the new
year of the Meitei people. Considered one of the holiest in Manipur, the
festival is celebrated by the community with enthusiasm, heralding a new
beginning filled with peace and prosperity. The day of celebration begins with
cleaning the house and performing rituals. Among the many festivals in Manipur,
Cheiraoba is popular and holds importance in the hearts of the people.
According to the Western calendar, the Cheiraoba festival usually falls in late
March or early April.
Facts about of Cheiraoba festival (Sajibu Nongma Panba)
- The day begins with an offering of fruits, vegetables,
rice and other raw materials to the Meitei god Lainingthou Sanamahi.
- How many dishes are prepared from the offerings.
- When the festive food is prepared, they are offered in two different places in the house, one at
the front door of the house, and one at the back door of the house with banana
leaves.
- After the meal, the people and the guests go up to the
top of the nearest mountain to pray; They believe that climbing will lead to
the highest life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cheiraoba is more than just a festival; it is
a celebration of cultural identity, unity, and the spirit of renewal. The
vibrant traditions associated with Cheiraoba not only connect people to their
roots but also contribute to the preservation of the rich cultural tapestry of
Manipur. As the community comes together to celebrate Cheiraoba, it strengthens
the bonds of kinship and reinforces the importance of cultural heritage in
shaping the collective identity of the Meitei people.