Manipur - the jewelled land borders Myanmar on the western and the southern sides and is inhabited by over two dozen tribes. According to the ancient legend, Manipur was discovered due to the delight Gods had in dancing. True enough, Manipur is one of the great dance forms in India today. Manipuri dancing is one of the great classical dance forms, and involves acrobatics on the part of the male dancers and slow graceful movements from the female participants. Manipuris were once considered extremely adept warriors. They still practice the traditional skills of martial arts, wrestling and sword fighting. Polo is a popular sport and (along with several other places in Asia), Manipur claims to have invented the game. Agriculture and weaving are the basis of economy.
Much of Manipur lies above 2000 mts, however, heart of the populated area is a low lying basin. In its centre is the reedy lake Loktak (the largest freshwater lake in the North East). The flat bottomed basin and river valleys that drain into it are extremely beautiful. There are several large lakes in the central region where the rivers drain southwards. They are used for fishing and duck shooting as well as for special boat races. Manipur costumes and handloom are very famous with almost every household having a loom.
The typically native patterns have their own charm especially the Mairangphee design that was introduced by Pricess Thoibi of Moirang and the Phyanek or sanke design featuring red and black stripes that are symbolic of snakes. Pick up an exotic shawl, tangkhul scarf, lashigphee blanket, choose a handicraft like Krishna Radha doll in a Rasila pose, Phirooks or decorative papier - mache flower vases, baskets, bamboo trays and get a feel of Manipur. foreigners can only obtain a permit if they travel in an organized tour of alteast four arrainged by a recognized travel agency. More information is available from the Manipur government offices.
Also read:
Facts And figures Of Manipur
