Manipur- the northeastern state of India is inhabited by a number of tribes having their unique culture. The glimpse of the rich culture of Manipur can be seen via the festivals that are organized by the people of Manipur. The festivals of Manipur attract a number of tourists from all over the country.

Here are some of the festivals and fairs celebrated in Manipur:

Cheiraoba Festival

Cheiroaba Festival is one of the most awaited festivals of Manipur. The festival is celebrated to welcome the New Year. The festival is celebrated with so much zeal and fervor by the people of Manipur. The people clean and decorate their houses and pray for happiness and prosperity in their lives. The Cheiraoba festival is celebrated in the month of April and has always been a good opportunity for tourists to take part in the traditions and rituals of the Manipuri people.

Christmas

Christmas is one of the best events celebrated in Manipur. Christmas is not only celebrated by the Christian communities but all the communities in Manipur that shows the harmony and respect of people of Manipur towards each other and their respective religion. Christmas is celebrated with so much joy by singing Christmas hymns and reading the bible. The Christmas festival in Manipur is continued for two days that is 24^th and 25^th December.

Kang festival

Kang festival is one of the most important festivals of Manipur. Kang festival has always attracted tourists towards the rituals and customs of the people of Manipur. The Kang festival is a sacred festival mainly celebrated by the Hindus in Manipur. In this, Lord Jagannath leaves his temple in a chariot which is locally known as “Kang” hence the name, Kang festival. The chariot is carried by the devotees enthusiastically as it is a matter of pride and respect. The Kang festival in Manipur is organized in the month of July and continued for 10 days.

Gang Ngai

Gang Ngai is a sacred festival celebrated by the ‘Kabui Naga’ tribe of Manipur. The festival is celebrated with so much zeal and fervor which shows the respect of the people toward their culture. Gang Ngai festival is organized in the month of either January or December and the celebration continued for Five days. The tribe performs all its rituals, customs, and traditions which show that the culture is still preserved in its pristine form by the people. The dancing, singing, and various other programs are organized and people participate in these programs enthusiastically.

Yaoshang festival

Yaoshong festival is one of the major festivals that is celebrated in Manipur. Yaoshong festival is organized either in the month of February or March on the full moon day. The celebration is continued for 5 days. The folk dance, music, and other performances are performed by the people in the Yaoshang festival. It is one of the famous festivals in Manipur that attracts a number of tourists every year.

Chumpha festival

Chumpha festival is one of the famous festivals of Manipur. The Chumpha festival is celebrated by the RangkhulNagas tribe of Manipur. The festival is celebrated in the month of December after harvest. The celebration is continued for seven days. Social gatherings, processions are organized by the people and the annual harvest is celebrated.

Kut festival

Kut festival is one of the major and popular festivals celebrated in Manipur. The festival is organized every year by the different tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of people in Manipur. Kut festival is also popular with other names such as Chavang-Kut or Khodou. The festival celebrates the annual produce and thanks god for enough production.

Lai Haraoba

Lai Haraoba is one of the popular and most awaited festivals celebrated in the state of Manipur. Lai Haraoba is celebrated in the month of May in the Imphal valley. The festival is celebrated to remember the local deities. Lai Haraoba festival is mainly celebrated by the follower of Sanamahism (Meitei Religion). Folk dance, music, sports, dramas, and various other programs are organized in which people participate with zeal.

Sangai festival

Sangai festival is one of the most popular festivals in Manipur that attracts a number of people every year from all over the country. The festival is celebrated in the month of November starting from 21st and continued for 10 days. The festival is organized by the tourism department to promote Manipur as an ideal destination for tourists. The Sangai festival gives a golden opportunity to explore the natural beauty and art &culture of Manipur.

Ramjan Eid

Ramjan is one of the major festivals of India that is celebrated in Manipur also with so much zeal and fervor. The Muslims in Manipur perform the same rituals and customs that are followed by all Muslims worldwide. It marks the ending of the fast in Ramazan. People visit mosques, offer their praying and exchange gifts, etc.

Lui Nagai Ni

Lui Nagai Ni is a famous festival in Manipur celebrated by Naga tribe. The festival is a seed sowing festival after which the cultivation process is started. Lui Nagai Ni festival is celebrated on the 15th of February every year.  The folk dance by the people of Manipur is one of the programs that highlight the festivity.

HeikruHitongba

HeikeruHitongba is one of the popular festivals of Manipur. The festival is celebrated in September. A boat race is organized on the canal of the Bijoy Govinda area in Manipur.  The festival holds the sacred belief that the deities supervise the race. The HeikeruHitongba festival shows the solidarity and harmony among the people of Manipur.