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MANIPUR AT A GLANCE
Area : 22,327 sq.km
Population : 27,21,756 (Census 2011)
Capital : Imphal
State Language : Manipuri
State Emblem : Kangla Sha
State Animal : Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi)
State Bird : Nongyeen (Syrmaticus humiae humiae)
State Flower : Siroi Lily (Lilium mackliniae sealy)
State Game : Sagol Kangjei (Manipuri Polo)
State Fish : Pengba (Osteobrama belangeri)
State Tree : Uningthou (Phoebe hainesenia)
Districts : (1) Bishnupur (2) Chandel (3) Churachandpur
(4) Imphal East (5) Imphal West (6) Jiribam
(7) Kakching (8) Kamjong (9) Kangpokpi (10) Noney
(11) Pherzawl (12) Senapati (13) Tamenglong
(14) Tengnoupal (15) Thoubal & (16) Ukhrul
Altitude : 790 mtrs. above MSL (Imphal)
Latitude : 23. 500 N to 25.420 N
Longitude : 92.580 E to 94.450 E
Annual Average Rainfall : 1145.5 mm
Rainy Season : June to September
Literacy Rate : 79.85%, M : 86.5%, F : 73.2% (Census 2011)
Scheduled Tribes : 34 (Recognised by Government)
Assembly Constituencies : 60 : (General-40, ST-19 & SC-1)
Parliamentary Constituencies : 2 : Inner Manipur & 1 : Outer Manipur
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INTRODUCTION
Manipur is located in the North-East corner India between 23. 500 & 25.420 North latitude and
92.580 & 94.450 longitude. The State shares an international border with Myanmar and is of much
strategic importance in the Nation’s Look East Policy. It is deemed to become the Gateway to South-East
Asia and an important new tourism destination in the near future. The people of Manipur include
Meiteis, Nagas, Kuki-Chin-Mizo, Gorkhas, Muslims and other colorful communities which have lived in
complete harmony over the centuries.
HOW TO GET TO MANIPUR:
Manipur can be reached through both Airways & Roadways. Railways will be functional from
2016.
AIR COMMUNICATION:
Imphal International Airport is the second largest airport in the region. Imphal is connected to
Aizawl, Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi by Air India, Jet Airways, Air Asia and Indigo.
ROADS:
Private owned and managed deluxe coaches run daily from Imphal to Guwahati and Dimapur
and back along the 3 National Highways viz., (1) N.H.-2 via Nagaland (2) N.H.-37 via Silchar and (3) N.H.
202 crisscrossing the State and connecting all the districts.
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
In brief, Manipur is a mosaic of ancient traditions and rich cultural pattern. In the field of art and
culture, the State is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. Raas Leelas depicts the Leelas
(sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with Gopies (Milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express their yearning for
communion with the Lord. A spring festival, the “Lai-Haraoba” held in April-May is symbolized by a
traditional stylized and ritualistic dance performed for peace and prosperity. The Tribal folk dances are
an expression of nature, creativity and aestheticism of the tribal way of life. Lui-Ngai-Ni (Seed sowing
festival of Nagas of Manipur) and KUT (the largest festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities) are annual
events and State Holidays.
FLORA & FAUNA
Hills comprise 67% of the total geographical area of Manipur and they are covered by different
types of forests. The State is thus blessed with amazing varieties of fauna and flora. There are about 500
varieties of orchids which grow in Manipur of which 472 have been identified. “Siroy Lily”, the only
terrestrial lily, is found on the hill-tops of Siroy hill in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
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HANDLOOM AND HANDICRAFTS
The beautiful handloom and handicrafts items of Manipur are the rare souvenirs for tourists.
There are more than 33 different communities in the State having their peculiar exquisite designs of
traditional and indigenous handloom fabrics. Manipur pottery is crafted without a potter’s wheel.
Beautiful pieces of art made of cane and bamboo form an important part of handicrafts.
INDIGENOUS GAMES
Sagol Kangjei (Manipuri Polo)
The indigenous Sagol Kangjei has been adapted and adopted by
international enthusiasts of the game as Polo and it is now played
worldwide. Today, the world has accepted that the game of polo
originated from Manipur. The Manipuri polo is played with seven
players on each side who mount and ride ponies. Each player is
equipped with a polo-stick made of cane having a narrow angled
wooden head fixed at the lower end. The ball, 14 inches in
circumference, is made of bamboo root. The mounted players gallop
after the ball and attempt to hit it straight into the goal. Extremely
masculine, the game is now played in two styles – the pana or original
Manipuri style and the international style i.e. Polo. The ponies are fully
equipped with various guards for protecting their eyes, forehead and
flanks.
The Britishers came into contact with the game of Sagol Kangjei
in the 19th century from Manipur and after clever refinement, the game
was renamed Polo and introduced to other parts of the globe.
Yubi Lakpi (Manipuri Rugby)
“Yubi” in Manipuri means coconut and “Lakpi’ means
snatching. The game was played traditionally on the lush green turf of
the Palace ground or at the Bijoy Govinda Temple ground. Each side has
7 players in a field that is about 45 x 18 metres in dimension, one side
of which forms the central portion of the goal line. The coconut serves
the purpose of a ball.
Kang
The game is normally played on the well-polished earthen floor
of a big out-house. Fixed targets are hit with ‘Kang’ which is a flat and
oblong material made of either ivory or lac. Normally each team has 7
male partners. The game is also played in mixed-double contests
conducted strictly during the period between “Cheiraoba” (Manipuri
New Year’s day) and the Rath Yatra festival. Meiteis religiously adhere
to its time-frame as popular belief holds that if the game is played
beyond the given time limits, evil spirits invade the mind of the players
and the spectators.
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Thang-Ta & Sarit Saraat
These are forms of Manipuri Martial Arts, the tradition of which
has been passed down over the centuries. They are energy-consuming
and skill-demanding arts of fighting. The indigenous martial art-forms
were meant to hone one’s martial skills during peacetimes in the olden
days when every Manipuri was a warrior required to serve his country
during the times of war. A martial-artist has to undergo strenuous
practice sessions. Only the brave and the athletic can excel.
FESTIVALS CELEBRATED IN MANIPUR
Some of the important festivals are:
Gaan-Ngai
Celebrated for five consecutive days in the month of Wakching
(December/January), Gaan-Ngai is an important festival of the Kabui
Nagas. The festival opens with a religious ceremony on the first day
and the rest of the days are associated with common feasts, dances
and presentation of gifts.
Ramjan Id (Idul-Fitr)
Ramjan Id is the most popular festival of the Manipuri Muslims.
Ramjan is the ninth month of the Hijri year. Since the time of Prophet
Mohammed, during this month, the Muslims practice self-denial by
avoiding food, drink and cigarettes from pre-dawn till sun-set. The
month is spent in offering prayers. After a month, on the second day of
Shawwal, when the new moon is visible, they break the fast. This day is
called Idul-Fitr. On this occasion, they go to the mosques to pray, take
delicious dishes, exchange greetings and call on friends and relatives.
Lui-Ngai-Ni
It is a collective festival of the Nagas observed on the 15th day
of February every year. This is a seed-sowing festival after which tribes
belonging to the Naga group begin their cultivation. Social-gathering,
songs dances and rejoicing highlight the festivity.
Yaoshang (Dol Jatra)
Yaoshang is the premier festival of Manipur and celebrated for
five days commencing from the full-moon day of Phalgun
(February/March). The Thabal Chongba, a kind of Manipuri folk dance
in which boys and girls hold hands and dance away their blues in the
evening is an inseparable part of the festival. Young and old folks collect
donation from house to house for their enjoyment.
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Cheiraoba
It is celebrated during the Manipuri month of Sajibu
(March/April). On the day of the festival, people clean and decorate
their houses and prepare special festive dishes which are first offered
to various deities. As a part of the ritual, people climb the nearest hill-
top in the belief that it will enable them to rise to greater heights in the
worldly life.
Ratha Jatra
The festival is celebrated for about 10 days in the month of
Ingen (June/July). Lord Jagannath leaves his temple in a Rath locally
known as Kang pulled by pilgrims who vie with one another for this
honour.
Ningol Chakkouba
It is a remarkable social festival of the Meiteis. Married women
are invited to the parental homes along with their children and enjoy
sumptuous meals. It is a form of family-reunion, serving as a means to
revive familial ties and affections. It is observed on the second day of
the new moon in the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (October/November).
Kut
It is an autumnal festival of the tribes belonging to the Chin-
Kuki-Mizo ethnic group of Manipur. It is a happy occasion for villagers
to make merry after a hard year’s labour in the fields. It also is a
thanksgiving fest in honour of the giver of an abundant harvest. The
modern Kut is observed on the 1st November every year.
Christmas
Christmas is the greatest festival for all Christians. The solemn
occasion is observed on 25th December every year. Prayer sessions,
singing carols and sermons mark the festival as the Christians of the
State join the world wide celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Kangla
Kangla was the ancient capital of Manipur. According to
Cheitharol Kumbaba, the Royal Chronicle of Manipur, Kangla was the
Royal Palace since the reign of Nongda lairen Pakhangba who
ascended the throne in 33 AD upto the reign of Maharaj Kulachandra
in 1891. Kangla is situated at the heart of Imphal on the western bank
of Imphal River and it is considered to be the holiest place for the
Manipuris.
Shree Shree Govindajee Temple
This temple, adjacent to the palace of the former rulers of
Manipur, is a sacred centre for Vaisnavites. It is a simple and beautiful
structure with twin gold domes, a paved courtyard and a large
congregation hall. The presiding deity, Radha Govinda is flanked by
idols of Balaram and Krishna on one side and Jaganath, Balabhadra
and Subhadra on the other.
Khwairamband Bazar(Ima Market)
This is a large crowded market at the heart of Imphal city.
Vegetables, fish, household utensils and implements and fruit are sold
on one side and colourful handloom shawls, phaneks, khudeis, bed
sheets, etc. on the other. The market is exclusive in the sense that all
the stalls are managed by women.
Saheed Minar
The imposing Minar of Bir Tikendrajit park standing tall in the
eastern side of the Imphal Pologround of the State’s Capital
commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipuri martyrs who
sacrificed their lives while fighting against the British in 1891.
Manipur State Museum
This museum, located near the Imphal Pologround, has a fairly
good display of the State’s heritage and a collection of portraits of
Manipur’s former rulers. Items of special interests are costumes, arms
and weapons, relics and historical documents.
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War Cemetery
The British and the Indian Army Cemeteries commemorate
those who died in the Second World War. The British War cemetery is
located a little off from the National Highway 2 opposite the DM
College campus, while the India War Cemetery is located at Hatta. The
cemeteries are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission.
Manipur Zoological Garden
Located about 6 Kms from Imphal towards the west, a half-a-
mile from the Imphal-Kangchup Road, the Zoological Garden at
Iroishemba houses the graceful brow-antlered deer (Sangai), one of
the rarest species in the world, and other species of animals and birds.
Khonghampat Orchidarium
This orchid yard of the Forest Department on NH No. 2, about
7 Kms from Imphal towards the north is another place of floral
interest. A large varieties of orchids including several rare species are
reared there. Peak season is April-May.
Loukoipat
It is a favourite tourist spot in Bishnupur District lying at the
outskirts of the District Headquarters. Loukoipat is an Eco-Park with a
small but beautiful lake surrounded on all sides by green foliage-rich
hillocks.
Moirang
Moirang is located 45 Kms away from Imphal city on Tiddim
Road. The ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing stands
there. It was from the village of Moirang that the graceful Khamba-
Thoibi dance originated. It was also at Moirang that the flag of the
Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944.
There is an INA Museum exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of
ranks and other articles associated with INA.
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Loktak Lake
It is the largest fresh water lake in the North-East. Sendra is a
hillock of an island of Loktak Lake, 48 Kms away from Imphal City on
Tiddim Road.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
The park is located in the south western part of the Loktak
Lake. This is the last natural habitat of the brow-antlered deer (Sangai)
of Manipur. Keibul Lamjao national Park is the only floating park in the
world.
Khongjom
It is situated on the Indo-Myanmar Road, 36 Kms away from
Imphal. It is a place of utmost historical importance for the State.
Khongjom was the venue where Major General Paona Brajabashi and
other brave Manipuri warriors proved their worth in battle against the
mighty force of the invading British Army in 1891. Khongjom is
regarded with awe as a symbol of patriotism and valour. A war
memorial constructed on the top of this venerable hill adds to the
historical ambience of the site. Khongjom Day is observed as a State
Function every year on April 23.
Churachandpur
It is the second biggest town of the State spreading out on both
sides of the Tiddim Road, 60 Kms away from Imphal. It is an enchanting
place for site seeing and holidaying.
Moreh
The international border town is located on the Indo-Myanmar
Road 110 Kms south east of Imphal. Moreh is 5 Kms away from Tamu,
its Myanmarese counterpart. The opening of the Border trade turned
Moreh into an important commercial hub in the North-East. The trial
run of the Imphal-Mandalay Bus Service was flagged off by Chief
Minister, Manipur on December 9, 2015.
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Ukhrul
The district headquarters of Ukhrul district is situated 83 Kms
away from Imphal in the east. Ukhrul is famous for a peculiar type of
terrestrial Lily, the Siroy Lily (Lilium macklinae sealy) which grows on
the Siroy Hill. Khangkhui Lime Caves are interesting places for
excursion.
Tamenglong
It is the district headquarters of Tamenglong District situated
156 Kms from Imphal. The Tharon Caves, Buning Meadow, Zeilad Lake
and Barak waterfalls are interesting tourist spots in Tamenglong
District.
Mao
Mao is an old hill station of Manipur bordering Nagaland. It is
located midway between Dimapur and Imphal on the National
Highway 2. The cultural mosaic of Manipur is not complete without
the colourful Moa-Naga dance. Dzuko Valley with its pristine beauty
adores the valley between May and July with a rare lily known as
Dzuko Lily.
