Sajibu Cheiraoba: The Traditional New Year Festival of Manipur

Sajibu Cheiraoba is the traditional New Year festival of the Meitei community in Manipur, India. Celebrated on the first day of the Sajibu month in the lunar calendar, it marks the beginning of a new year with cultural and religious significance. The festival is observed with grand festivities, prayers, and family gatherings, symbolizing purification and renewal.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The term “Sajibu” refers to the first month of the Meitei lunar calendar, and “Cheiraoba” translates to ‘New Year.’ The festival is deeply rooted in the indigenous Sanamahism religion of the Meiteis and reflects their age-old traditions. According to historical beliefs, the festival dates back to the ancient rulers of Manipur who marked the beginning of the year with rituals and prayers dedicated to Lainingthou Sanamahi, the household deity.

Sajibu Cheiraoba is also considered a time for spiritual renewal, with people praying for prosperity, good health, and happiness. It is believed that on this day, the deities descend to bless their devotees, making it an auspicious occasion for religious observances.

Rituals and Celebrations

The celebration of Sajibu Cheiraoba includes a series of customs that bring families together and emphasize gratitude and devotion.

1. Cleaning and Decorating Homes

Before the festival, households engage in thorough cleaning and decoration. People believe that cleaning their homes removes negative energy and paves the way for good fortune in the coming year.

2. Preparing Festive Meals

A significant part of the festival is the preparation of a special meal. Families cook traditional dishes, including various vegetable delicacies, rice, and fish. Some of the popular items prepared include iromba (a mashed vegetable dish with fermented fish) and ooti (a lentil-based dish). Food is first offered to the deities outside the peripherals of the house, with colorful decorations of flowers place on mud constructions, before being consumed by family members.

Offering of food to the deities

3. Offering Prayers to Deities

Devotees make offerings to Lainingthou Sanamahi and other deities at home shrines. Special prayers are held to seek blessings for the family’s well-being and prosperity. Some also visit temples to offer their respects.

4. Hilltop Rituals

One of the unique aspects of Sajibu Cheiraoba is the tradition of climbing nearby hills. After the festive meal, people, especially the youth, climb hilltops to pray and seek blessings for a successful year ahead. This ritual is symbolic of overcoming challenges and reaching new heights in life.

Climbing the hill on the festival of Sajibu Cheiraoba

5. Exchange of Gifts and Visits

On this occasion, families exchange gifts and visit relatives to strengthen bonds. Elders bless the younger generation, and the festival fosters unity and love among family members.

Sajibu Cheiraoba and Its Modern Observance

Over time, Sajibu Cheiraoba has evolved while retaining its traditional essence. While urbanization has influenced the way it is celebrated, the festival remains a cornerstone of Manipuri culture. Social gatherings, community feasts, and cultural programs are organized in different parts of Manipur. Some even celebrate it by sharing greetings and messages through digital platforms.

Apart from Manipur, Sajibu Cheiraoba is also celebrated by Manipuri communities in Assam, Tripura, and other regions where Meiteis reside. It serves as a reminder of their rich cultural heritage and identity.

Sajibu Cheiraoba is not just a festival but a reflection of the Manipuri way of life, emphasizing gratitude, renewal, and spiritual devotion. Through prayers, family gatherings, and traditional rituals, people welcome the new year with optimism and a sense of togetherness. This festival continues to be an essential part of Manipuri culture, preserving its traditions for future generations. 

Benita Laishram: The Rising Star of Manipuri Folk Music

 "Benita Laishram is a gifted folk artist from Manipur, known for her exceptional singing, dancing, and acting skills. Through her artistry, she has become a prominent figure in showcasing the rich cultural heritage of her home state to both national and international audiences."

 

A Trailblazer in Manipuri Folk Music

In March 2024, Benita achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Manipuri folk singer to participate in Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash, India's premier folk song competition. Organized by Doordarshan Kendra and supported by the Ministry of Arts and Culture, this event celebrated India's diverse musical traditions. Benita’s mesmerizing performances, blending traditional Meitei music and dance, captured the hearts of audiences across the country. Despite the challenges of ongoing conflicts in Manipur, she remained committed to her mission of preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of her homeland.

A Passion for Music from an Early Age

Benita’s journey into the world of music began in her childhood. She received her initial training in Manipuri sankirtan songs under her first mentor, Senjam Shila, while she was still in the seventh grade. Her passion for the performing arts led her to pursue a diploma at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy. Currently, she is furthering her expertise by pursuing a master’s degree in dance at Manipur University. Her dedication to traditional folk music and dance has been unwavering, even as she navigates the challenges faced by artists from conflict-ridden regions.

Taking Manipuri Folk Music to the Global Stage

Benita’s influence extends beyond India. In January 2025, she was invited to perform at the India Pavilion during the Global Village event in Dubai. Running from October 2024 to May 2025, this international event celebrates India’s cultural diversity, providing a platform for artists like Benita to share their heritage with a global audience. Her soulful renditions of Manipuri folk songs introduced people from different backgrounds to the unique musical traditions of Manipur.

 

A Torchbearer of Manipuri Tradition

Benita Laishram has become a cultural icon, earning admiration and recognition for her contributions to Manipuri folk music. Her journey from a passionate young artist to an internationally recognized performer is a testament to her resilience, talent, and deep love for her heritage. As she continues to break barriers and bring the beauty of Manipuri folk traditions to the world, Benita remains an inspiration for aspiring artists and a proud representative of Manipur’s rich artistic legacy.

Left: Eningthou Sanajaoba Leishemba. Right: Manipuri folk singer Benita Laishram

Mangka Mayanglambam: The Voice of Manipuri Folk Music

Mangka Mayanglambam

Mangka Mayanglambam is one of the most celebrated folk artists from Manipur, known for her dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional music of her homeland. With her enchanting voice and deep understanding of Manipuri culture, she has become a global ambassador for the region’s rich musical heritage.

A Young Talent with Deep Cultural Roots

Born into a family of artists, Mangka was exposed to traditional Manipuri music from an early age. She trained under the guidance of her father, Mayanglambam Mangangsana, who is a renowned pena (a traditional Manipuri string instrument) player and a significant figure in Manipuri folk music. Inspired by her cultural roots, Mangka embraced folk singing and performance as a way to keep the traditions of Manipur alive.

Her unique ability to blend the ancient khunung eshei (traditional folk songs) with contemporary elements has helped her connect with both older generations who cherish their cultural past and younger audiences eager to explore their heritage in a modern way.

Rising to National and International Fame

Mangka’s soulful and powerful voice quickly earned her recognition across India and beyond. She became widely known through her performances in major national festivals, folk music competitions, and cultural exchange programs. Her songs, which often carry themes of folklore, history, and the beauty of nature, evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and pride among Manipuris.

Beyond India, she has represented Manipuri folk music at prestigious international events. Whether performing in cultural festivals in Southeast Asia or collaborating with global artists, she has consistently showcased the beauty of Manipuri music to the world.

Modernizing Folk Music While Preserving Tradition

What sets Mangka apart is her ability to fuse traditional Manipuri music with contemporary styles. She has collaborated with various artists and music producers to create innovative sounds that remain true to Manipuri roots while appealing to a wider audience. By incorporating elements of folk, fusion, and world music, she has ensured that traditional Manipuri songs do not fade away in the face of modernization.

Mangka Mayanglambam

She is also a key member of Laihui Ensemble, a cultural group dedicated to reviving and promoting Manipuri folk arts. Through this group, she has worked on numerous projects that aim to keep indigenous music alive and introduce it to younger generations.

A Cultural Icon of Manipur

Mangka Mayanglambam has become an icon in Manipuri music, proving that folk traditions can thrive in the modern world. Her efforts in preserving and popularizing Manipuri folk music have earned her widespread acclaim, inspiring many young artists to reconnect with their cultural roots.

As she continues to perform and promote her heritage, Mangka remains a beacon of Manipuri tradition—a voice that carries the soul of her land to audiences across the globe.

Mangka Mayanglambam