Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Chaitra Navratri 2018, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2075 — the Hindu new year. He also wished the people of Manipur celebrating the lunar new year festival of Sajibu Cheiraoba.
नव संवत्सर और नवरात्रि की सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। विक्रम संवत 2075 सबके जीवन में सुख, समृद्धि और अच्छा स्वास्थ्य लेकर लाए।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2018
Today (March 18) is the first day of Chaitra Navratri, which coincides with the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2075. While Chaitra Navratri is mostly celebrated in north India, the day marks the festivals of Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.
In Manipur, people following the Sanamahism religion celebrate Sajibu Cheiraoba, also called Meetei Cheiraoba and Sajibu Nongma Pānba, on this day. In Manipuri, Sajibu is the first month of the year according to the Meitei lunar calendar. While Sajibu usually comes in April, the month has started early this year.