Cheiraoba Festival is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration marking the New Year for the people of Manipur. Observed in April, it holds deep spiritual and social significance for the Meitei community. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and family unity, as people welcome the coming year with joy and gratitude.
The day starts with families thoroughly cleaning their homes, as cleanliness is believed to bring good fortune. Special festive dishes are prepared, including a variety of seasonal vegetables and local delicacies, which are offered to the deities. These offerings are placed at the house's entrance and on nearby hilltops, signifying a prayer for blessings and protection in the new year.
A unique tradition during Cheiraoba involves climbing hills, which symbolizes overcoming challenges and rising to new heights in life. People, young and old, participate in this activity, strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of hope and positivity.
The festival is also filled with cultural performances, folk songs, and traditional dances, showcasing the rich heritage of Manipur. Cheiraoba is not just a celebration of time but a reminder to embrace life with renewed energy and optimism for the future.
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
Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is well-connected to major Indian cities by air, rail, and road. Here’s a breakdown of how to get there.
By Air
Imphal Airport, also known as Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, is located 8 km from the city. It is connected to major Indian cities through direct and connecting flights.
Other Cities with Flight Connectivity:
- Mumbai to Imphal
- Delhi to Imphal
- Bangalore to Imphal
- Kolkata to Imphal
- Hyderabad to Imphal
- Pune to Impha
By Train
The nearest railway station is Dimapur Railway Station, located 200-220 km from Imphal. It is well-connected with neighboring regions. From Dimapur, you can hire a cab to reach Imphal.
By Road
Imphal is accessible via National Highways, offering smooth connectivity with nearby cities. You can travel by state-run/private buses, cabs, or personal vehicles.
- 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 the Cheiraoba Festival?
A1. Cheiraoba Festival is the New Year celebration of the Meitei community in Manipur, observed in April. It symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and family unity, with rituals that include offering food to deities and climbing nearby hills for good fortune.
Q2. When is the Cheiraoba Festival celebrated?
A2. The Cheiraoba Festival is celebrated in April every year, aligning with the Meitei lunar calendar to mark the beginning of a new year.
Q3. What are the key rituals of the Cheiraoba Festival?
A3. Key rituals include cleaning homes, preparing special dishes, offering food to deities, and climbing hills, which symbolizes overcoming challenges and seeking blessings for the new year.
Q4. Why do people climb hills during Cheiraoba?
A4. Climbing hills during Cheiraoba represents rising above difficulties and embracing new opportunities. It is believed to bring success, strength, and good luck in the coming year.
Q5. How do people celebrate Cheiraoba?
A5. People celebrate by preparing traditional food, performing rituals, visiting family, and participating in cultural events like folk dances and songs, reflecting the rich heritage of Manipur.
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