Shajibu Cheiraoba is a sacred and pious socio-religious celebration of the Meeteis observed every year on Shajibu Nongma Panba (in the month of April). The celebration marks the departure of the old year and welcoming of the New Year. On this occasion, houses are renovated and white washed to celebrate the arrival of new season, which marks a rekindling of the spirit of life.
Cheiraoba is an introspection and retrospection- searching and evolving new resolutions for the coming year. Before taking the grand feast, people offer fresh vegetables, fresh fish and cooked vegetarian food at the gate of every household to the Gods and forefathers. After offering to the gods and goddesses, the food items are exchanged with relatives and neighbors. This is called as Mathel Lanba.
One remarkable tradition of Cheiraoba is the villagers climbing up to nearby hilltops (Cheiraoching) in the belief that it enables them to rise to heights in their worldly life, and be hale and hearty in the coming year. There is also a custom that married women should present a gift to her father and brothers, prior to the occasion.
Cheiraoba is a combination of two words, Chahi (year) and Laoba (declaration), meaning the declaration or the announcement of a new year. However, some scholars interpret it as Chei (Stick) and Laoba (declaration), with a different connotation. In ancient times, the king designated a particular man to traverse through all the Leikai (street) and Khungang (village), with bells fixed on a bamboo pole for maximum effect, to announce the onset of the New Year, hence the name Cheiraoba. Another school of thought has a different take on this interpretation. According to them, Pamheiba (the first Hindu king on Kangleipak) under the advice of his Dharma Guru Shantidas, sent forth soldiers with sticks threatening the people to celebrate Cheiraoba as the New Year, in time with the Bengali Charak Puja. They are of the opinion that Wakching, not Shajibu is the first month of the Meetei calendar.
Cheiraoba also known as Kurak Langtaiba, which means the conjoining of two ends, the beginning of the New Year and the end of the old year. This event with all its rites and rituals is an integral part of the lives of the Meeteis. It is an occasion for prayer and celebration. Meeteis, followers of the Sanamahi cult and the Hindu Meetei, celebrate the passing and the coming of the years with equal gusto, praying for peace and prosperity, health, and wealth in the days to come. Everyone pray to the Shidaba Mapu, the almighty, in whose hands lay the fate and fortune of all.
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