Cheiraoba: Exploring the Spiritual Dimensions and Holistic Well-Being in Meitei Cultural Tradition

Abstract

Cheiraoba, the Meitei New Year festival, is a significant cultural and spiritual event that symbolizes renewal, purification, and the aspiration for prosperity. Rooted in ancient traditions, the festival encompasses rituals such as household cleansing, ancestral offerings, communal feasting, and hill climbing, each carries profound spiritual and psychological significance. This study explores how these rituals contribute to holistic well-being by fostering physical health, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and social cohesion. The research employs a qualitative approach, integrating ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and document analysis to examine the cultural dimensions of Cheiraoba and their impact on individual and collective well-being. Findings indicate that the festival’s purification rituals promote psychological renewal, while ancestral worship strengthens intergenerational bonds and emotional security. The communal feast, featuring nutrient-rich traditional foods, reinforces both cultural identity and nutritional well-being. Additionally, the symbolic act of hill climbing not only signifies personal and spiritual elevation but also serves as a form of physical exercise, enhancing cardiovascular health and resilience. Furthermore, gratitude practices embedded within the festival foster positivity and social harmony. By bridging indigenous traditions with contemporary wellness models, this study highlights the relevance of Cheiraoba in promoting sustainable well-being. The findings suggest that traditional cultural practices hold valuable insights for modern health frameworks, emphasizing the integration of spirituality, community engagement, and physical activity. In an era of increasing stress and social isolation, understanding and preserving such traditions can offer holistic pathways to health, happiness, and cultural continuity.