11 Festivals of Manipur

Manipur, a state in Northeast India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse festivals. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Manipur are:

Yaoshang:

Yaoshang is a five-day festival celebrated in Manipur, India, during the month of March. It is also known as the Holi of Manipur, as it marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festival is marked by Thabal Chongba, a traditional dance form where boys and girls hold hands and dance in a circle, and Phee, a traditional Manipuri game. During Yaoshang, people also light lamps and bonfires, and exchange sweets and gifts. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of life.

Season: March

Lai Haraoba:

Lai Haraoba is a festival that celebrates the worship of the deities of Manipur. It is celebrated in the month of May or June and is marked by processions, music, and dance performances. The festival is characterized by the Lai Haraoba dance, which depicts the creation of the world and the arrival of the gods and goddesses in Manipur. During Lai Haraoba, people also offer prayers, make offerings to the deities, and participate in cultural activities. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Manipur and to seek the blessings of the gods and goddesses.

Season: April/May or June/July

Ningol Chakouba:

Ningol Chakouba is a festival celebrated in Manipur, India, in November. The festival is unique in that it celebrates the bond between a woman and her parents. Married women visit their parental homes and are treated to a feast by their parents, who bless them with gifts and money. Ningol Chakouba is a time when families come together to celebrate the love and respect between a woman and her parents. It is a festival that reinforces the importance of family values and the traditional role of women in Manipuri society.

Season: November

Kut:

Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in Manipur, India, in November. The festival is a time when people give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest and is marked by traditional dances, songs, and feasting. During Kut, people wear traditional attire, decorate their homes with flowers, and cook traditional dishes. The festival is a time when people come together to celebrate the beauty of nature and the abundance of life. It is a festival that reinforces the importance of agriculture in Manipur and the traditional way of life of the people.

Cheiraoba:

Cheiraoba is the Manipuri New Year, celebrated in April. The festival is marked by the lighting of lamps, cleaning of homes, and feasting. It is a time when people pray for good health, wealth, and prosperity in the coming year. During Cheiraoba, people also decorate their homes with flowers, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts. The festival is a time when people come together to celebrate new beginnings and to welcome the spring season.

Season: April

Kang Chingba:

Kang Chingba is a festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated in August or September and is marked by traditional dances and songs. During Kang Chingba, people decorate their homes with flowers, offer prayers to Lord Krishna, and participate in cultural activities. The festival is a time when people come together to celebrate the life and teachings of Lord Krishna and to seek his blessings.

Season: July/August

Chumpha:

Chumpha is a festival celebrated in Manipur, India, in January. It is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. During Chumpha, people light bonfires and sing traditional songs. The festival is marked by traditional dances and games, and people offer prayers to the gods and goddesses. Chumpha is a time when people come together to celebrate

Mera Houchongba:

Mera Houchongba is a festival celebrated in Manipur, India, in November. The festival celebrates the unity and brotherhood among the different communities of Manipur. During Mera Houchongba, people light lamps and offer prayers to the gods and goddesses. The festival is marked by traditional dances and songs, and people wear traditional attire. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the diversity of Manipuri culture and to strengthen the bond between different communities.

Season: November

Lui Ngai Ni:

Lui Ngai Ni is a seed-sowing festival celebrated by the Naga tribe of Manipur, India. The festival is celebrated in February and is marked by the sowing of seeds in the fields. During Lui Ngai Ni, people also participate in traditional dances and songs, and offer prayers to the gods and goddesses. The festival is a time when people come together to celebrate the beginning of the agricultural season and to seek the blessings of the gods for a good harvest.

Season: February

Chakpa Phayeng:

Chakpa Phayeng is a festival celebrated in Manipur, India, in May. The festival celebrates the traditional weaving skills of the people of Manipur. During Chakpa Phayeng, people participate in traditional weaving competitions and showcase their skills. The festival is marked by traditional dances and songs, and people wear traditional attire. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of Manipuri handicrafts.

Season: May

Heikru Hitongba:

Heikru Hitongba is a festival celebrated in Manipur, India, in September. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the gods and goddesses of the Imphal river. During Heikru Hitongba, people offer prayers to the gods and goddesses and participate in traditional boat races. The festival is marked by traditional dances and songs, and people wear traditional attire. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the importance of the Imphal river in the lives of the people of Manipur.

Season: September

These are some of the other festivals celebrated in Manipur. Each festival has its own significance and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by the people of Manipur.

How to reach Manipur

Manipur is a state in northeastern India that is well connected by air, road, and rail. Here are the different ways to reach Manipur:

1. By Air: The main airport in Manipur is the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal, which is well connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. Direct flights to Imphal are also available from international destinations such as Bangkok, Mandalay, and Yangon.
2. By Road: National Highway 39 connects Manipur with the rest of India. The state is also connected to nearby states such as Nagaland and Assam by road.
3. By Rail: Manipur does not have a railway station, but the nearest railway station is in Dimapur, Nagaland, which is about 215 kilometers from Imphal. From Dimapur, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Imphal.

Once you reach Manipur, you can travel within the state by taxis, buses, or rented vehicles. Manipur is a beautiful state with stunning natural beauty and rich culture, and traveling here can be a unique and enriching experience.

Where to Stay

Manipur offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options:

1. Hotels: There are many hotels in Manipur, ranging from budget to luxury. Some popular options include Hotel Classic Grande, Hotel Imphal, and The Classic Hotel.
2. Guesthouses: Guesthouses are a great option for those looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation. Some popular guesthouses in Manipur include Sangai Guest House and Tampha Hotel and Guest House.
3. Homestays: Homestays are a great way to experience the local culture and hospitality of Manipur. Many locals offer rooms in their homes for tourists to stay in, and this can be a unique and enriching experience. Some popular homestays in Manipur include Asha Homestay and Shija Homestay.
4. Resorts: For those looking for a luxurious and indulgent stay, Manipur offers some beautiful resorts. Some popular options include The Classic Resort, The Sanctuary Resort, and Loktak Lake Resort.

It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and to get better deals. It is also advisable to check the reviews and ratings of the accommodation before making a booking.