Imphal: Cheiraoba, which marks the end of the year and the beginning of another, was celebrated in pomp and splendour with religious gaiety in Manipur on Thursday.
Most households offered prayers, vegetables, and food to the Almighty.
Grand feasts were organised in every household. Married women presented gifts to their parents and brothers. People also climbed the nearest hill as part of the festival.
Special cultural programmes were also organised in most localities. Governor Anusuiya Uikey said that Cheiraoba symbolises the coming of a New Year and is a festival celebrated by every household with great enthusiasm and gaiety.
She urged everyone to rededicate themselves to striving for peace, prosperity, and progress.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that Cheiraoba is a celebration of the New Year with family feasts, offerings to God, sharing food with neighbours, and giving gifts by women to their brothers, uncles, fathers, etc.
“The climbing of hills and hillocks in the afternoon symbolises the overcoming of obstacles and hurdles in the coming year”, he said.
The Chief Minister wished for the “Ching Kaba” of Cheiraoba to mark the successful overcoming of these obstacles through unity, perseverance, and clarity of thought and action.
