In a notable cultural initiative to promote unity and safeguard indigenous traditions, the communities of Meetei, Kabui, Chothe, and Maring in the state have agreed to jointly celebrate the Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival for the first time this year, coinciding with the traditional observance of Sajibu (Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba). To facilitate this collaboration, a new committee known as the Apunba Kanglei Yelhou Phurup Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival Committee was established on February 19, with representation from each of the four communities that venerate Lainingthou Sanamahi.
The committee, led by Chairman Kamson Gangmumei Kabui, along with Vice Chairmen Thao Jatra Chothe and Meisnam Iboba, aims to coordinate the first event slated for March 19 in Bishnupur district. During a press conference held at the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple, committee member Haying Khongban urged the State Government to recognize the festival as a state-level event and to earmark funding in the state budget.
Additionally, the committee expressed a call for all devotees of Lainingthou Sanamahi to come together and embrace the spirit of unity, particularly in times of difficulty. The leaders reflected on the historical ties of unity among the communities and encouraged collective worship of the deity for enduring peace, harmony, and prosperity within the state. This collaborative effort is anticipated to enhance communal harmony and reflect a shared cultural and spiritual legacy among the participating communities.
