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. |
