Manipur

Tradition and Culture of Manipur:

The state of Manipur is rich in culture and tradition. The state has many art and craft forms. Different tribes of the state celebrate different festivals with much joy and valour. The people of the region are very much fond of dance and music. Manipur is a land of diverse tribes and races of people living in harmony. Manipur is a land of unique culture and traditions. Manipur is one of the seven north eastern states known for its exquisite bamboo and cane products, weaving and wood carving. The people of Manipur have a special skill of crafting and making traditional bamboo and cane products. Most of the tribes are engaged in different types of handicraft making including bamboo and cane products.

Fairs and Festivals of Manipur:

The fairs and festivals in Manipur is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Manipur. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Manipur are:

• Gang-Ngai: Gang-Ngai is an important festival of the Kabui Nagas celebrated for five days in the month of December/January. The inauguration of the festival starts with the oath taking ceremony on the first day and the rest of the days are associated with common feast, dances of old men and women and of boys and girls, presentation of farewell gifts etc.
• Lui-Ngai-Ni: An important festival of the Nagas observed on the 15th day of February every year. Tribes belonging to the Naga group begin their cultivation after this as it is a seed sowing festival. Social-gathering, songs, dances and rejoicing highlight the festivity. The annual festival also plays a great role in boosting the moral and strengthening the bond of Naga solidarity.
• Yaosang: Yaoshang is an important festival of Manipur celebrated for five days starting from the full moon day of Phalguna (February/March),. The Thabal Chongba – a kind of Manipuri folk dance, where boys and girls hold hands together and sing and dance in a circle, is particularly associated with this festival. Boys and girls and even old women collect donations from house to house and the money so collected is spent on parties and feasts. Indeed, Yaoshang to Manipur is what Durga Puja is to Bengal, Diwali in north India and Bihu to Assam.
• Cheiraoba: It is the Manipuri New Year celebrated during the month of April. During the festival, people clean and decorate their houses and prepare special festive dishes which are first offered to various deities. A part of the ritual entails villagers climbing the nearest hill tops in belief that it will enable them to rise to greater heights in their worldly life.
• Kang: It is the Ratha Yatra of Manipur celebrated for ten days in the month of July One of the greatest festivals of the Hindus of Manipur. Lord Jagannath leaves his temple in a car known as “Kang” in Manipur pulled by devotees who vie with one another for this honor.
• Heikru Hitongba: It is a boat race celebrated in the month of September. A large number of rowers are accommodated on a long narrow boats. Before the start of the race an idol of Lord Vishnu is placed.
• Ningol Chak-kouba: It is a social festival of the Manipuris celebrated on the second day of the new moon in the month of Hiyangei (November) as per Manipur Calendar system: It is a major social festival of the Meiteis. Married daughters of the family come to their parental house along with their children and enjoy sumptuous feast. It is a form of family reunion.
• Kut: Festival of Kuki- Chin- Mizo: It is an autumn festival celebrated on the 1st November every year by the different tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of Manipur. The festival has been variously described at different places amongst different tribes as Chavang Kut or Khodou etc. It is a happy occasion for the villagers whose food stock is abundant after a year of hard labor.
• Ramjan ID: Ramjan ID is the most popular festival of the Manipuri Muslims (Meitei Pangal) in Manipur and is observed in the usual spirits of joy and festivities as in other parts of the Muslim world.
• Chumpha: Festival of Tangkhul Nagas: Celebrated for seven days in the month of December, the Chumpha Festival is a great festival of the Rangkhul Nagas. The festival is held after harvest. The last three days are devoted to social gatherings and rejoicing.
• Christmas: Festival of Christians: Christmas is the greatest festival of all the Christians, observed for two days on December 24 and 25 with merriment joy and piety.

Must Visiting Places In Manipur:

The state is rich in every sense, be it in the beauty of nature or the culture of the land. Here are the top 8 tourist destinations in Manipur:

Imphal: A scenic city and the capital of Manipur, it is located at the centre of the beautiful Manipur valley and is surrounded by plains and hills. Dense forests and sprawling grasslands make the place a heaven on earth. It reflects the rich tradition of the state. Here are the leading tourist destinations in Imphal:

Loktak Lake
Red Hill Lokpaching
Kangla Fort
Sirohi National Park
Manipur State Museum
Sekta Archaelogical Living Museum
Manipur Zoological Gardens
Keibul Lam Jao National Park
Jama Masjid
Shree Govindajee Temple
Khonghampat Orchidarium
Matai Garden

Ukhrul: A scenic city this place offers more than just visual delight. You will be thrilled by the beautiful valleys, hills, waterfalls and streams. In short, Ukhrul is a dream destination if you are a nature lover. Given below are some top destinations in Ukhrul:

Khayang Peak

Shirui Kashung Peak
Kachouphung Lake
Khangkhui Cave
Shirui Kashung
Hundung Mangva Cave
Nillai Tea Estate
Ango Ching

Bishnupur: Bishnupur, is one of the most frequented cities in Manipur for both its natural beauty and places of worship. The ancient temples here reflect the rich culture of the land and its architectural excellence. Given below are the leading tourist attractions in Bishnupur:

Rasmancha
Jorebangla Temple
Pancha Ratana Temple
Dal Madol
Susunia Pahar
Shyamrai Temple
Siddheswar Temple
Radha Shyam Temple
Sridhara Temple

Thoubal: Thoubal is another scenic place in Manipur. It is a perfect place for trekking and hiking. Lush greenery, beautiful rivers and lakes make the place a perfect destination for outdoor activities. Here are some top destinations in Thoubal:

Thoubal River
Imphal River
Ikop Lake
Waithou Lake
People’s Museum
Lousi Lake
Thoubal Bazar
Khongjom War Memorial

Chandel: Chandel is the gateway to Myanmar. The geographical significance, however, does not end there. It attract large number of tourist due to the rare species of animals and plants are found here that. Here are some of the tourist destinations in Chandel:

Moreh
Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary
Tengnoupal

Senapati: An important tourist destination of Manipur with natural beauty some of its parts still unexplored. It seems the land is specially favored by nature. Hills, streams, gorges and rivers, you just name it, the land has it. Given below are some top destinations in Senapati.

Mao
Yangkhullen
Dzuko Valley
Liyai
Purul
Maram Khullen
Makhel Cave
Sadu Chiru Waterfalls

Tamenglong: Unlike Chandel, Tamenglong is popularly known as the ‘Land of Hornbill’ and is rich in flora and fauna. With lakes, rivers and waterfalls, Tamenglong makes a perfect dream spot. Here are the leading destinations you should not miss on your tour to Tamenglong:

Zeilad Lake
Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary
Barak Waterfalls
Kisha Khou
Tharon Cave
Buning Meadow

Churachandpur:   Like every part of Manipur, Churachandpur is also rich in natural beauty. It is also the second largest town in the state. Boat riding facilities are available at Tipaimukh. Here are the important tourist spots in Churachandpur:

Ngaloi Falls
Tuibuong Tribal Museum
Tonglon Cave
Khuga Dam
Tipaimukh

Cuisines of Manipur:

Rice, fish and vegetables constitute the main ingredients for the principal food of Manipur. The staple food of Manipur is rice along with fish and vegetables. Their favorite fish is Ngri, which is prepared by fermentation. Other than this variety of fish preparations are practiced here along with potatoes that is included in almost every dish prepared in Manipur. Manipuri people like to maintain a kitchen garden where they grow several exclusive flavored herbs and roots such as maroi napakpi, awa phadigom, maroi nakuppi, mayang-ton, and toning-khok. The vegetables, mushrooms and herbs grown in Manipur are rare and unique to the state. Some of their popular dishes include, nga-thongba (fish curry), ooti (a typical Manipuri vegetarian dish), chagem pomba (made with fermented soya, mustard leaves) and Chamthong or kangshoi, which is a stew cooked with seasonal vegetables.