Manipuri diasporas living in and around Pune organised Shajibu Cheiraoba 2022 on 10th April 2022 at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Koregaon Park in Pune. The function was organised by AMAND Ladies’ Club (ALC), a women’s wing of the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND) Pune.
Motto of the event was to preserve and promote the rich socio-cultural heritage of the State. The program not only helped in preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage but also in fostering the spirit of unity and co-existence among the Manipuri diasporas in the Pune city – a home far away from home.
The Sunday celebration that marked the parting of the old year and the welcoming of the new year was attended by about 200 people from many Manipuri families and individuals in and around Pune, including Mumbai, Talegaon, and Ranjangaon. The celebration of the aged-old tradition was graced by the presence of women, men, and children with elegant Manipuri traditional attires.
Since the reign of King Koi-Koi, Shajibu Cheiraoba has been in the heart of every Manipuri which holds a close connection with our lives and activities. Though the festival is celebrated within a household with a family prayer and worship of the Manipuri deities to bring peace, harmony, prosperity, and safety for their respective family members, the ALC organized this year – a community Shajibu Cheiraoba, 2022 – for the families and individuals of the Manipuri diasporas in the city.
The attendees of the gathering were welcomed with an opening speech by the ALC President, Mrs. Tarunibala Khumanthem, which was followed with a speech by the AMAND President, Mr. Giridhar Naorem. Each of the sponsors of the program — 3C IT Solutions & Telecoms India Pvt. Ltd., Pune; Keithel Organic Outlet, Pune; S Salon, Pune; Emung Pvt. Ltd., Imphal; and Lucky Entertainment Group, Pune — was acknowledged with an eco friendly sapling as a token of appreciation by Mrs. Tarunibala Khumanthem (ALC President).
The main attraction of the event was the presentation of the khudol pot (gifts)to all the brothers and male attendees by the ALC members and the seeking of blessings on the auspicious Shajibu Cheiraoba occasion. The other part of this event was the fun-filled entertainment program such as Bumper Housie along with the availability of various stalls for indigenous fresh vegetables (yongchak, ngari, maroi, etc.), packaged food items, and traditional handicraft products.
All the attendees of the program enjoyed the delicious authentic Manipuri cuisine such as nga thongba, makok maru ngouba, ooti, yongchak eromba, singju, hei thongba, kheer, etc., prepared by dedicated kitchen volunteers led by Dr. Narendra Huidrom. The attendees appreciated the organizing team and reaffirmed to celebrate and attend the occasion every year with the same spirit and vigour.
The program of the day was concluded with a note of sincere thanks and profound appreciation by Mrs. Vijaya Namram to all the generous donors, sponsors, and attendees. The program was conducted by Ms. Anju Arambam.