Sajibu Nongma Panba

Sajibu Nongma Pānba (Meitei for 'First day of Sajibu month'), also called Meitei Cheiraoba (Meitei for 'Meitei New Year') or Sajibu Cheiraoba (Meitei for 'Sajibu New Year'), is the lunar new year festival of the Meitei people who follow Sanamahism (traditional Meitei religion), celebrated predominantly in the Indian state of Manipur.^[1][2] The name Sajibu Nongma Pānba derives from the Manipuri words: Sajibu - the first month of the year which usually falls during the month of April according to Meitei lunar calendar, Nongma - first date of a Month, Pānba - to be. Literally, it means the first day of the month of Sajibu. It is also celebrated by the Indian diasporas in western countries, including but not limited to Canada^[3][4] and Australia.^[5][6] Similarly, it is also celebrated in many Indian cities outside Manipur, like in Bangalore,^[7][8] Guwahati,^[9] Kolkata,^[10][11] Mumbai,^[12] Pune,^[13][14][15] among many others.^[16]

However, according to the follower of the faith of Sanamahism, Meitei New Year/Sajibu Nongma Panba started during the reign of King Maliya Fambalcha (1359 BC-1329 BC) also known as Koi-Koi. Koikoi ascended the throne at the age of 25 years. From this day, the dating of Meitei calendar (Cheiraoba) known as Mari-Fam was introduced. Hence, 1359 BC will be 25 MF, and 2000 AD will be 3334 MF in Meitei calendar taking the birthday of KOIKOI as 00 MF.^[17] King Koikoi reigned till 1364 MF according to the Meitei calendar (the Meitei calendar is still unclear and unpublished though).↵Not to forget, Koi-Koi ascended the throne from King (Ningthou in Meitei) Kangba (1405-1359 BC).