On this SAJIBU Nongma Panba Cheiraoba

While preparing the ‘Athenpot’ for Lainingthou-Leimarel (Sanamahi) this morning, I kept on pacifying myself on the way I was hurrying and rushing things. Although taking leave is out of question, I just cannot think of not making a small prayer & offering to our ‘Lainingthou-Leimarel’ (tucked in the corner of my flat) on this Sajibu-Nongma-Panaba Cheiraoba. It’s an auspicious day for our divine Protector (of every household) and I was hastening up the arrangement of the offerings – rice, vegetables, candles, flowers etc., trying to follow the little nitty-gritty of ‘Athenpot’ I knew, specifically relating to this God. In particular, the banana leave(s) on which the offerings are made/arranged is not cut (into round shapes etc.) but torn along its natural stripes; and all offerings are in two sets – one for Leimarel and another for Lainingthou. As a person deeply passionate with religious rituals, the kind of immense satisfaction one experiences while making preparation for a ritual/puja is tremendous – arguably, much more fulfilling than the actual prayers itself. And for this fulfillment, a peaceful and relaxed mind is essential; and by God, speed and restlessness of the morning hours (in an office day) do not help at all!!

Interestingly, we live in a stage where the different cultural & religious practices (followed by Meeteis) have been intricately inter-mingled – much more than ever before. I called up my mother in Manipur and she told me that they are celebrating the Cheiraoba today. Having known my parents as devout and strict Vaishnavites for years, I was quite surprised. In my childhood, with the deep religious background I was brought up, I could never think of my parents celebrating the ‘Sajibu-Nongma-Panaba Cheiraoba’. Mother justifies – this year, the ‘Goura Cheiraoba’ falls on a day ‘where the Gods eat the humans’ (Laina mee chaba) and hence, is not auspicious. Whatever, time has changed and it only reflects the changing mindsets – probably, we could be in a transition of another impending change of faith & conviction.

When I reach home today, I will cook the rice & vegetables being offered to Sanamahi this morning and relish a ‘Cheiraoba dinner’ tonight. Having learnt to live with my limitations, this is the only way to relate myself of the festivities connected with this auspicious day. This may sound absurd and could even offend the religious sensibilities of at least those who are strict adherers. So far as offending God is concerned, I am not worried. If He is one whom I truly believe in, He will judge me more by my heart & mind (and by my humane acts) than through my external rituals/practice done to reach Him. I trust rituals could be more for satisfying/fulfilling one’s mind than of pleasing Gods.

Yaosang - Colours of Spring

It’s the fourth day of Yaosang (Holi). Sitting inside an office, but yet sensing the vibrant colours and excitement occasioned with this festival thousand of miles away at home, could be really miserable. Although sports at local clubs have predominately replaced this once-upon-a-time all colourful celebration of the Spring, the plain joyous thrill linked with it transcending all age barriers could never be underrated. Just as the eerie tune of Lai Haraoba with its … “ha eeya taibang malangpan, sanaren mapan thariba …” makes my heart beat faster, the vivacious sound of .. “Hari Bol, Hari Bol” during Yaosang afternoons would lift my spirits. This goes without saying of the many Yaosang nights engrossed in listening to the distant tune & music of ‘Thabal Chongba’, kindling romantic fantasies in those young & yet-to-experience innocent minds. Oh! the air is nostalgic; and I only wish I could re-live again!!

Going down to memory lane is one of the best things that I ever enjoy in this corporate life. At times, it indeed helps me to escape from realities and re-energize my dampened spirits…Yes, it does help one to move on…

Life is ... but all about learning how to live

As I live through years of my life, I realize that life is less about achieving and fufilling one's dreams and aspirations, but more about learning to live life WITHOUT LOSING SANITY amidst problems and adversities wrapped in various shapes, sizes and colours. It's all about facing the reality ....... and learning how to live with it. This sums up my experiences of life so far ...

Whether we like it or not, being able to live with reality is a challenge that confornts us at certain stage(s) in our lives. And to me, the ability to adapt to the realities of life and find bliss & happiness within it, is the sole determinant of whether one is a WINNER or a LOSER !!

With this(eh..bitter truth)note, welcome to this blog and share many many more experiences, facets & dreams of life camouflaged in this exciting (yet perplexing) world where we are destined to live in...