From the archive record
People walking on streets of Imphal holding torch during a torch rally on eve of Sajibu Cheiraoba, Manipur. "Sajibu Cheiraoba" is the new year of the Meiteis of Manipur. The Sajibu Cheiraoba is a traditional festival celebrated on the first day of Sajibu month (equivalent of April) every year.[citation needed] It is observed on the first lunar day of the lunar month Sajibu (March/April) and so it is also popularly known as Sajibu Cheiraoba. In olden days, before precise time keeping, a King's horse-man announced the beginning of the new year with a stick on hand. And hence the name "Cheiraoba". People of Manipur clean and decorate their houses and make a sumptuous variety of dishes to feast upon after offering food to the deity on this day. After the feast, as a part of the rituals, people