In a significant cultural development aimed at fostering unity and preserving indigenous traditions, four communities of the state — Meetei, Kabui, Chothe and Maring — have resolved to celebrate the Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival collectively from this year onward, marking the first day of Sajibu (Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba) under a unified platform. In this connection, a joint committee named Apunba Kanglei Yelhou Phurup Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival Committee was formed on February 19, comprising representatives and leaders from the four communities who worship Lainingthou Sanamahi.
The newly constituted body has appointed Shanglakpa of Kabui Loishang and member of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, Kamson Gangmumei Kabui, as Chairman. Thao Jatra Chothe and Meisnam Iboba have been appointed as Vice Chairmen among other office bearers.
Addressing a press conference held on Monday at the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple, Haying Khongban of the newly formed committee appealed to the State Government to recognise the festival as a state-level event and allocate funds for it in the State Budget. The committee further urged all devotees of Lainingthou Sanamahi across the state to unite and uphold the spirit of togetherness, especially during challenging times. Recalling the strong bond of unity practiced in earlier days, the leaders called upon the people to worship the deity for lasting peace, harmony and prosperity in the state. The first edition of the Sajibu Nongma Panba Kumhei Festival under the united platform will be held on March 19 this year in Bishnupur district. The initiative is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening communal harmony through shared cultural and spiritual heritage.