In 2024, the Cheiraoba Festival will be held in April. The Meiteis of Manipur consider Cheiraoba as one of their most important festivals. They celebrate it with great pomp and joy, especially in April. Cheiraoba marks the beginning of the lunar new year for the Meiteis living in Manipur and other places. This year the Cheiraoba festival took place on April 14th.
At night, Thabal Chongba, the Manipuri folk dance, is organized by the locals across Manipur valley as a joyous event for ushering in the much-awaited Meitei new year.
Cheiraoba Dates & Venue
The festival of Cheiraoba is observed on the first lunar day of Sajibu month, which is March/April. It is held in Imphal, Manipur.
How to travel to Cheiraoba Festival
The Cheiraoba Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Manipur, is a significant cultural event for the locals. Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, becomes the epicenter of the festivities during this time. Whether you are a local or a traveler from afar, here's a comprehensive guide on how to reach Imphal for the Cheiraoba Festival, using different modes of transportation.
By Flight: The fastest and most convenient way to reach Imphal for the Cheiraoba Festival is by air. Imphal has its own airport - the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF) - which is well-connected to major cities in India.
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Looking For Flights, Trains, and Buses to Imphal, Manipur
By Train: Currently, Imphal does not have direct rail connectivity. However, there are plans to connect it via the proposed Jiribam-Imphal railway line shortly. If you prefer to travel by train, you can reach the nearest railhead at Dimapur in Nagaland, which is approximately 215 kilometers away from Imphal.
- From Dimapur: After reaching Dimapur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Imphal. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the road conditions.
By Road: Road travel to Imphal offers picturesque views and a chance to witness the natural beauty of the region. However, the road journey can be time-consuming due to hilly terrain and winding roads.
- From Guwahati: If you are traveling from Guwahati, Assam, you can take the NH27 route to reach Imphal. The distance is around 480 kilometers, and the journey usually takes 10-12 hours.
- From Kohima: From Kohima, Nagaland, you can take the NH2 route via the National Highway 150 to reach Imphal. The distance is approximately 140 kilometers, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours.
- From Silchar: If you are coming from Silchar, Assam, you can take the NH37 route to reach Imphal. The distance is around 290 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 8-9 hours.
About Cheiraoba Festival
During this festival, people actively participate by wearing their traditional costumes and worshipping the local deity. They also have a tradition of exchanging gifts among their families and friends. Interestingly, although Cheiraoba is a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by the Muslims of the region as well. According to the locals, this popular Manipuri festival symbolizes a strong bond of love within families.
Days before the festival, people begin cleaning and decorating their homes. When the day of Cheiraoba arrives, they gather for a grand joint family feast at their houses. During this feast, they prepare traditional cuisines, which they offer to the local deity at the entrance gate of their homes as a part of the ritual.
In the afternoon, people perform a special ritual where they climb to the top of nearby hills to offer their prayers to the deity. This ritual holds significant importance during the festival and is considered an essential part of the celebrations.
