Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav | Celebrating the Rich Textile & Craft Heritage of North East India | December 6 to 8, 2024, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India

Festival Indigenous Sports Wildlife Textile and Crafts Food Sports Icon War Tourism & Museums

Embracing Heritage through Festivals

Sangai Festival

Held every November, the Sangai Festival is named after the Sangai deer, an endangered species found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The festival celebrates the cultural diversity and natural beauty of Manipur, featuring traditional dance performances like the Manipuri Raas Leela, indigenous martial arts such as Thang-Ta, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine. It also includes adventure sports like trekking, white-water rafting, and parasailing.

Shirui Lily Festival

Celebrated in Ukhrul district, the Shirui Lily Festival is dedicated to the state flower, Shirui Lily (Lilium Mackliniae), found only in the Shirui Hills. The festival, held annually in May, promotes awareness about the conservation of the endangered flower and celebrates the region's natural beauty. It features cultural performances, traditional games, music concerts, and exhibitions showcasing local arts and crafts.

Indigenous Sports of Manipur

Sagol Kangjei (Traditional Polo)

Sagol Kangjei is considered the oldest form of polo in the world, originating from Manipur. Played on horseback, Sagol Kangjei was a game of the royal court and has strong ties to the martial and equestrian culture of the region. Today, Manipur is still regarded as the birthplace of modern polo, and the game continues to be played with great enthusiasm, particularly during festivals like Lai Haraoba.

Mukna

Mukna is an indigenous form of wrestling from Manipur, requiring strength, skill, and stamina. It is a traditional sport enjoyed during the Yaoshang festival (Manipur's version of Holi) and is widely celebrated by the local populace. Mukna players, called Yaanba, use specific techniques and grips to subdue their opponent, making it one of the most competitive sports in the region.

Thang-Ta

Thang-Ta is an ancient Manipuri martial art that involves the use of swords (thang) and spears (ta). This martial art form was originally used by warriors and is still practiced today as a means of physical fitness, selfdefense, and cultural preservation. Thang-Ta performances are an important part of cultural festivals and are seen as a source of pride for Manipuris.

Wild Wonders of Manipur, Nature’s Untamed Beauty

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Located on the Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao is the world's only floating national park and is home to the endangered Sang

GI Products textiles & Crafts of Manipur

Saphee Lanphee Shawl

Moirangphee

Discover Authentic Food in Manipur

Chak-hao Kheer

Chak-hao Kheer is a delicious kheer that is prepared on many special occasions in Manipur. It is a pleasing shade of purple and is made using rice, milk and cardamom powder. It is generally garnished with dried fruits like raisins or other nuts. The flavour of this kheer is delicious.

Eromba

Here is another favourite dish among the Manipuris. Their cuisine almost always includes a type of fish called Ngari. Eromba is prepared by boiling a tonne of vegetables along with some fermented fish. It is mixed until the texture becomes like a paste. Finally, it is garnished with maroi and a sprinkle of coriander leaves.

Dhindo

Starting the list of the best dishes of Manipur with a vegetable deliciousness. The key ingredients of this dish are loads of vegetables. Basically, an array of seasonal vegetables available! Vegetables are sliced and then boiled with onions, maroi (a local herb) and species like clove and ginger. The end result is a simple yet delicious vegetable stew that is often served with rice, a staple food of Manipur and fish.

Sports Icons of Manipur, Inspiring the Next Generation

Mary Kom

Chungneijang Mary Kom Hmangte, popularly known as Mary Kom, is a six-time World Boxing Champion and an Olympic bronze medalist. She is the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each of the seven world championships. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming a global boxing icon is inspirational and has put North East India on the global sports map.

Mirabai Chanu

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is a weightlifter who won the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the women's 49 kg category, becoming a national hero overnight. She is also a World Champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, known for her strength, determination, and perseverance. Mirabai's achievements have made her a role model, especially for young girls in North East India.

War Tourism & Museums in Manipur

The Anglo-Manipur War (1891)

The Anglo-Manipur War was a conflict between the British Empire and the Kingdom of Manipur, triggered by a succession dispute in the Manipuri royal family. The war, which began in 1891, saw fierce resistance from Manipuri forces but ended with a British victory. The war was marked by significant casualties on both sides, and the aftermath led to increased British control over the region.

The Battle of Imphal (March - July 1944)

Simultaneously with Kohima, the Battle of Imphal was another decisive engagement. The Allied forces, including British and Indian troops, successfully repelled the Japanese offensive, leading to a significant defeat for the Japanese forces.

India Peace Memorial at Red Hill (Maibam Lokpa Ching)

The India Peace Memorial is dedicated to the Japanese soldiers who died during the Battle of Imphal. Established by the Japanese government, the memorial includes a small museum and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. It serves as a reminder of the shared history and the impact of the war on both the Allied and Japanese forces.

Kangla Fort Museum

The Kangla Fort Museum, housed within the historic Kangla Fort, provides insights into the region's military history, including the Anglo-Manipur War and World War II. The museum features a range of artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to these conflicts, offering a comprehensive view of Manipur’s role in these historical events.

Manipur