In a noteworthy cultural initiative designed to foster unity and preserve indigenous traditions, four communities in the state—Meetei, Kabui, Chothe, and Maring—have agreed to collectively celebrate the Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival starting this year. This festival will commence on the first day of Sajibu (Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba) under a unified arrangement.
To facilitate this collaboration, a joint committee named the Apunba Kanglei Yelhou Phurup Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival Committee was established on February 19, featuring representatives and leaders from the involved communities who venerate Lainingthou Sanamahi. The committee has appointed Kamson Gangmumei Kabui, a member of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board and Shanglakpa of Kabui Loishang, as Chairman. Thao Jatra Chothe and Meisnam Iboba have been designated as Vice Chairmen, among other office bearers.
During a press conference at the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple, Haying Khongban, a member of the newly formed committee, made a plea to the State Government to acknowledge the festival as a state-level event and to allocate specific funds for it within the State Budget. The committee also called upon all devotees of Lainingthou Sanamahi throughout the state to join in solidarity and uphold the spirit of togetherness, especially during difficult times. Echoing the strong unity once prevalent, the leaders encouraged the populace to worship the deity for enduring peace, harmony, and prosperity in the state.
The inaugural Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival under this collaborative framework is set to occur on March 19 in the Bishnupur district. This initiative is perceived as a crucial advancement toward enhancing communal harmony through the shared cultural and spiritual legacy of the communities involved.
