Manipur described as the wealth of India lies south of Nagaland & north of Mizoram. In shares the international boundary with Myammar on the western & southern side. Legend has it that the discovery of Manipur was the result of the delight that gods took in dancing. Still practiced today, is a classical dance form marked by graceful & gestures known as Manipuri.
Manipur is a mosaic of traditions and cultural patterns, best represented by its dance forms. The Lai-Haroaba, a traditional stylised dance is a ritual dance for appeasing gods and goddesses. The Lai-Haraoba festivel is generally celebrated between April and May, after the harvest season. The Raas song and dances express the Leelas (sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan and depict their yearning for communion with the Lord. The tribal dances of Manipur are the expression of love, creativity and aestheticism of the tribal people of the state. Manipuris were earlier recognised as skilful warriors and still practice the arts of wrestling, sword fighting and martial arts. Sogol Sangjei (Manipuri Polo) is the principal sport of the state, for Polo is believed to have originated here. MuknaKangjei (Wrestling Hockey) is also a very popular game in Manipur. The game is part of a ceremonial function and enjoyed due patronage in the olden days. another popular game known as Yubi-Lakpi (Manipuri Rugby) is played, using a greased coconut.

SHOPPING PLEASURE

Manipur specialised in handaloom which is a cottage industry in the state and almost every household owns a loom, with women busy in the creation of typical unique native design. Famous among them is the Moirangphee design, believed to have been introduced by Princess Thoibi of Moirang;the Phanek or snake design constituting rd and black stripes symbolic of snakes. Pick up an exotic shawl, tngkhul scarf, lashingphee blanket, cushion cover, bedspread or ready made a garment. choose a handicraft to decorate your home-Krishna Radha dolls in raslila pose, phirooks or decorative pappier mach flower vases, baskets,bamboo trays or just wear a bamboo hat.
Ideal places to buy such handicraft are paona bazaar, where fixed price shops will lessen your shopping worries, Manipur Handloom Sales Emporium, Handloom House and Tribal Emporium and Sangai Handloom, near Gandhi memorial..

FESTIVAL FIESTA

The festivities and celebration in the North-Eastern states of India are a colourful reflection of the people and their lives. Throughout the year, festivals are celebrated by different people in different ways, most of them centering around their modes of living and livelihood.
Lai Haraoba April/May
Manipur Tourism Festival November