The Sajibu Enaat Ngai Khang Festival

Robert Sharma *

As the unending passages of time continue its course, here comes today, the Purnima Thanil of Sajibu, Thursday, the 9th of April 2009, a day which will shine forever as a flame in the heart of everyone.

As the New Year sets in, ushering in spring where winter prevailed and brings forth the bloom and fruition, let's recall the Thursday, 19th of April of 2006, when His Majesty, King Leisemba Sanajaoba of Manipur, accompanied by the dignitaries of the court Sanglapas, Sanglakpis, Amaibas, Amaibis, Priests, Priestess and soldiers had come and declared Panthou as God, the birth of Divinity in human form and further dedicated to the Father whom he saw as the ultimate incarnation of Divinity.

The name "Chingu Leitai Ngamba Khoyum Lailup Ngai Khangba" was bestowed to him than. Under the aegis of Ima Leisem Cultural Institute, the Sajibu Enaat Ngai khang Festival commemorates this holy event which will be remembered and honored by all of us as long as we, the human exist in this universe.

The beauty of Nature is at its peak, in the season of Sajibu. After the months of Poinu, Wakching, Phairel and Lamta chill, soft warmth stirs the air.

"How beautiful is the scene of spring-the sudden showers of rain withheld so long,
the noisy chorus of the falling raindrops,
the withered leave swept off the aged tree by the wanton wind sand;
the entire earth is covered with fallen leaves".

Even as the barren tree stands lonesome and desolate, the budding leaves as though in panic of missing the season slowly springs up. The roar of thunder in the heaven, the falling drops of rain, the lovely sight of the sheer rays of the sun, emerging from downy white clouds in the deep blue sky and then in a sudden moment, black clouds of rain completely darken the earth's atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the flowers of the season - Kombirei, Kusumlei, Leiri, Tharo, Thambal, Thariktha, Khongmeilei, Leipaklei - all bloom and their colourful splender on the top of the earth draws the likeness of stars in the heaven.

Perfect are the fruits too. Chumbrei, Malhei, Leiri, Nonganghei, Heinou, Heitup - all which seem to quicken to come forth lest they miss the season. In their mist, lads and lasses rise to dance under the moon, swinging together in a mood of joy to the sweet strains of thabal leirol.

Again, amidst the wave of such ecstasy, the bindered native who have stood together under the sheltering tree of Ima Leisem Cultural Institute, in a harmonious union of hearts and sprit now gather from its bounty a rich harvest, a fruit from a bough, a flower from the another, fruits faliage and flowers from the ground beneath the sons and daughters thus making ready array.

As the full blooming moon of Sajibu spreads its radiance, fruits warping over the wept of flowers, the golden ladder is laid.

Please descend O Chingu Laitai Ngamba lailup Ngai Khangba Panthou.
The humble Utterness from these tiny lips and the musings of spirits are arranged,
as flowers on the platter, awaiting to offer.
Please exhibit your manifold dances and menifest your infinite forms.
Here, in this bower of the Luwang Isaikon,
laden with the fragrance of fruits and flowers,
the holy flame and incense rises,
entreatin O Chingu Laitai Ngamba Khoyum Lailup Ngai Khangba O Panthou
to alight amidst the petals of the golden lotus
that blooms from the dark recesses of the heart and
disport yourself in the Sajibu Inaat Ngaikhag Festival.
Bless us to follow you and partake in this ceremony and celebration.

• Langbangi Nongma panba - Father Panthou's Presentation
• Panthou's Mera Chaoren Haoba :: 2008