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The Cheiraoba
festival in April marks the Manipur New Year. The houses are cleaned
and decorated before offerings are made to the deities while villagers
climb the nearest hill tops. In May is observed the Lai-Haroba festival
revering gods like Umang Thai as well as the ancestors.
Sites:
Imphal the capital is 7 kms from Tulihai airport. There are a cyclists
velodrome, a sports stadium and shopping bazaars.
About 48 kms from
Imphal is the Keibul Lamjao National Park that is home to the
endangered brow antlered deer – the state animal of Manipur. It lives
in the swamps of Loktak Lake – the largest in eastern India. This green
paradise is also home to 17 rare mammal species. Boats can ply to two
floating islands of tangled watery weeds.
Sri Govindaji
temple next to the royal palace is in Imphal. The temple is a marvel
with golden domes and paved courtyard.
The sprawling
campus of the Chorus Repertory Theatre is in the suburbs of Imphal. For
quarter of a century it has produced world class plays like Chakrawuha
A little distance from Imphal are the Iroishemba zoo, the Khonghampat
Orchidarium housing rare orchids, Langthbal containing historical
relics, Bishnupur with its archaic temples alive and throbbing and
Moirang town – the centre of Manipur arts and culture. For the hill top
experience is Ukhrul on the highest point in Manipur.
The state museum
contains priceless historical items – garments, weapons, portraits and
other relics. Sekta mound, 16 kms from Imphal, is a living museum where
remains of secondary burial have been discovered.
There are many tourist attractions – one has to experience it to savour
the taste of the wonders of Manipur.
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