The traditional festival of Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba was celebrated in Manipur on Sunday to mark the beginning of a new year with religious fervour and gaiety.

The festival heralds the advent of New Year and strengthens the bond of love and brother hood among the members of each family.

The festival is mainly observed on the first lunar day of the lunar month Sajibu (March/April) by the Meitei community, a majority ethnic group of Manipur.

On this day, people arrange a joint family feast in which traditional cuisines are offered to local deities at the entrance gates of the houses.

After meals, people start climb the Cheiraoching located in Chingmeirong or tops of nearby hills in the afternoon to offer prayers. As per belief they think that it would elevate them to greater heights in their worldly life.

Moreover, Chief minister of Manipur N Biren Singh extended his warmest greetings and best wishes to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba.