Manipur · April
Meitei Cheiraoba
The Meitei new-year festival of house-cleaning, hill-climbing and community feasts.
Quick facts
- Festival
- Meitei Cheiraoba
- State
- Manipur
- Place
- Cheirao Ching & Meitei villages, Imphal Valley
- Month
- April
- Tribe
- Meitei
- Duration
- 1 day (first day of Sajibu, mid-April)
- Best for
- CultureHeritagePhotography
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About Meitei Cheiraoba
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Editorial overview of Meitei Cheiraoba pending fact-check.
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Festival highlights at a glance
- Cheirao Ching Kaba — the ceremonial hill climb above Imphal
- Traditional Meitei chak-luk (rice meal) shared with neighbours
- Ritual cleaning and blessing of the home by the eldest woman
- Prayers at the Sanamahi shrine kept in every Meitei household
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Why visit Meitei Cheiraoba?
- A living Meitei new-year rooted in Sanamahi belief, not the Hindu calendar
- Cheirao Ching climb offers sweeping views across the Imphal Valley
- Combine with a visit to Kangla Fort and Ima Keithel women's market
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Festival history
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Origins and historical timeline of Meitei Cheiraoba pending fact-check.
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Dates and venue
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Annual dates and official venue for Meitei Cheiraoba pending verification with Manipur Tourism.
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Tribe and community
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Meitei community profile pending fact-check.
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Cultural significance
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Cultural and ritual significance of Meitei Cheiraoba pending review.
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Main attractions
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Headline attractions list for Meitei Cheiraoba pending verification.
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How to reach
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Travel routes to Cheirao Ching & Meitei villages, Imphal Valley pending verification.
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Permit information
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Current Inner Line Permit / Protected Area Permit requirements for Manipur pending verification against the state tourism portal.
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Weather and best time to visit
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Typical weather notes for Cheirao Ching & Meitei villages, Imphal Valley in April pending verification.
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Accommodation options
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Accommodation guidance for Cheirao Ching & Meitei villages, Imphal Valley pending verification.
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Photography tips
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Photography guidance for Meitei Cheiraoba pending review.
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Nearby attractions
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Nearby attractions near Cheirao Ching & Meitei villages, Imphal Valley pending verification.
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Festival gallery
A curated selection of photographs from Meitei Cheiraoba. All images are placeholders until license-cleared festival-specific photographs are sourced — see our photography policy.
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Responsible festival etiquette
Meitei Cheiraoba is a living cultural event hosted by the Meitei community. Please attend as a respectful guest, not a spectator.
- Always ask permission before photographing elders, priests or performers.
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees, especially around ceremonial spaces.
- Follow instructions from community elders and event organisers.
- Do not touch ritual objects, altars or sacred poles.
- Carry your waste back; avoid single-use plastics at venues.
- Buy directly from local artisans and homestays to support the host community.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Meitei Cheiraoba held?+
Meitei Cheiraoba is celebrated in April each year at Cheirao Ching & Meitei villages, Imphal Valley, Manipur. It typically runs for 1 day (first day of Sajibu, mid-April). Exact dates vary annually — check the state tourism board nearer the date.
Which community celebrates Meitei Cheiraoba?+
Meitei Cheiraoba is celebrated by the Meitei community of Manipur.
Do I need a special permit to attend Meitei Cheiraoba?+
Indian nationals visiting Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and parts of Manipur require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Check official state portals before travel.
Where can I stay during Meitei Cheiraoba?+
Options range from state-run tourist lodges to homestays and boutique camps. Accommodation books out months in advance for marquee festivals; reserve early.
Is Meitei Cheiraoba suitable for families?+
Yes — the festival is family-friendly. Be mindful of crowd density on main performance days and dress modestly out of respect for community traditions.
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Sample itinerary
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A sample 3–5 day itinerary covering arrival, festival days at Cheirao Ching & Meitei villages, Imphal Valley and one day for nearby sightseeing will be added once routes are walked and verified with local operators.
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Tour packages
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Curated tour packages for Meitei Cheiraoba will be listed once partnerships with registered Manipur operators are confirmed. Pricing, inclusions and booking contacts are intentionally not generated.
Continue exploring
More festivals of Manipur
Performing traditions
Folk dances of Manipur
See the full Festivals of Manipur guide for the state-wide calendar, expeditions and travel advice.
Festival calendar
Other festivals around this time
Planning a Northeast trip in April? These festivals overlap or sit close to Meitei Cheiraoba on the calendar.
Mopin Festival
Galo · West Siang, Arunachal Pradesh
April
Aoleang Festival
Konyak · Mon District, Nagaland
April
Sanken Festival
Tai Khamti · Namsai & Chongkham, Arunachal Pradesh
April
Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu)
Assamese · Statewide (Guwahati, Jorhat, Sivasagar), Assam
April
Garia Puja
Tripuri · Tripuri villages, West & South Tripura, Tripura
April
Lai Haraoba
Meitei · Meitei villages across Imphal Valley, Manipur
April/May
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