Manipur – the land of jewels, shares its borders with Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram and Myanmar. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru gave Manipur the nickname “Land of the Jewel”. Indeed, it is a shining jewel, whose brilliance refuses to be tarnished by tempestuous fiery trials. The Indian viceroy, Lord Irwin, even called the state “Switzerland of India”. Manipur is home to a large number of different species of fauna and flora that are hard to find elsewhere.
The state’s claim to fame includes its historical role during World War II, the raising of the Indian National Army flag in Moirang in 1944 by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the classical dance “Rasa Leela”, indigenous games and martial arts and Sangai ( the antlered deer) and the Siroy lily.
The hills of Manipur echo and reflect a different sound and sight. Its inhabitants can easily pass through towns in Hong Kong or Bangkok, but ironically they invite a second look of curiosity in our national subways. Its own art forms and cultural expressions and ramifications clearly show Manipur to the world.
Rasa Lila is the classical Manipuri dance form based on the legendary love of Lord Krishna and Radha and the Gopis’ devotion to the Lord. The richness of the costume shines the beauty of the art.
Nupa Pala (kartal cholom or cymbal dance) is the result of the Manipuri style of dance and music. It is normally performed by male performers using cymbals and wearing white pheijom (dhoti) and spherical turbans. They sing and dance to the rhythm of Pung (Mridunga).
Manipur is driving the development of adventure sports in the region. The Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association, Manipur Adventure ad Allied Sports Institute and The Adventure Academy of Manipur offer courses and assistance in rafting and trekking.
Sagol Kangjei (Manipuri Polo) has been adapted and adopted by international enthusiasts of the game as polo and is now played all over the world. The world has accepted that the game of polo originated in Manipur.
Khong Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey) is also a very popular outdoor game in Manipuri. The game is played with seven players on each side and each player is equipped with a bamboo stick approximately 4 feet long and bent at the bottom tip, much like modern hockey sticks. With seven players on each side, this game is more robust than hockey and is a mix of hockey, soccer, rugby, and wrestling.
Mukna, the Manipuri version of wrestling, is a must-see on the last closing day of the Lai Haraoba Festival celebrations. Opponents are matched by build and weight.
Yubi Lakpi (Manipuri Rugby) is played on the lush green grass of the Palace grounds or the grounds of the Bijoy Govinda Temple. “Yubi” means coconut and “Lakpi” means to snatch. Each side has seven players on the field that has an area of approximately 45 x 18m, one of whom forms the central part of the goal line.
Kang is normally played on the well-polished floor of a grand house. Fixed targets are struck with “Kang”, which is a flat, oblong instrument made of ivory or lacquer. Normally each team has 7 members.
Hiyang Tannaba (boat race) usually takes place in the month of November in Thangapat. The ships called Hiyang Hiren are considered to be invested with spiritual powers and the game is associated with religious rites.
Thang-Ta and Sarit Saraat are the martial arts of Manipur. Indigenous forms of martial arts were meant to hone warfare skills. Recently it has been recommended to include art in the school curriculum.
Some important festivals in Manipur are Yaosang (Holi) Cheiraoba (New Year), Ningol Chakouba, Kut, Kwak Jatra, Heikru Hidongba, Lai Haraoba, Lui-Ngai-Ni and Chumpha.
The main tourist attractions are Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, Khwairamband Bazaar (oldest market in the world), Saheed Minar, World War II Cemetery, Manipur Zoological Garden, Singda Dam, Langthabal Palace, Orchid Garden Khonghampat, Japan War Memorial, Busnupur, Loktak Pat, Khongjom, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Ukhrul and Moreh.
Manipur is well connected with all major Indian cities. Imphal Airport is served daily by airlines such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Deccan and Indigo. The nearest railway station is Dimapur in Nagaland. However, most of the passengers prefer Guwahati railway station in Assam due to modern conveniences and daily bus services to Imphal.