Manipur is one of the northeastern states of India. Manipur is consist of two words Mani + Pur where “Mani” means jewels and “Pur” means place. So, the Literal meaning of Manipur is “Jewel land”. The meaning of Manipur is not only true in the letter but in spirit also. Manipur is really a precious jewel that is shining with its culture and natural beauty in the Indian subcontinent. The art and culture of Manipur are very rich and holds a great value in the lives of Manipuris. Manipur has always been a cross-section point among the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, and South East Asia from a cultural point of view. The superior culture of Manipur has always been a high attraction for the tourist of Manipur. The rituals, customs, traditions, and superstitions have always fascinated many people from all around the globe. In this article, you will get to know about the art, culture, people, music dance, occupation, and cuisine of Manipur.

So let’s start exploring the culture and Tradition of Manipur

People and culture of Manipur

Manipur is inhabited by a number of tribal groups having their own unique culture and art such as the Naga tribe, KuzKo. The majority of the population belong to meities ethnic group. The main language of the state Manipur is Manipuri or Meiteilon. The people of Manipur inherited a very rich culture and have maintained their uniqueness by adhering to their traditions, rituals, and customs. Every tribe practices its own rituals and customs and social structure is divided on the basis of religions. But the Harmony among people makes Manipur a “beautiful painting” with different colors having their own charm. Hinduism is the main religion that is being followed by the people of Manipur. Here in tribal areas, you can see people wearing their traditional dress. Innaphi and Phanek are the traditional dresses of women in Manipur. The men of Manipur can be seen wearing ‘white turban’ which gives them a sense of honor and belongingness to their culture.

Dance of Manipur

Dance is such a graceful artistic form to show a glimpse of any state culture. Manipuri dance also shows a glimpse of the superior culture of Manipur. There are many dance forms that are prevalent in the state each one holding its allegiance. Raasleela, PungCholom, Nupa Pala, Maibi, KhambaThoibi are some of the famous dance forms which are performed on special occasions and events. Among the dance forms mentioned above, RaasLeela is the most dominant dance form expressing the love between Krishna and Radha. Performing their dance is just not a source of entertainment for the people of Manipur but it’s their way to pay respect to their rituals, traditions, and customs. Therefore, these dance forms hold great value in the lives of people of Manipur.

Music of Manipur

The music of Manipur resembles the pristine culture of Manipur in a very elegant manner. The people of Manipur are so fond of music. There are many folk songs that are prevalent in the state of Manipur. The folk songs are performed on special occasions, events, and festivals. The folk music is the way of tribal people to connect to their god. Some of the most famous folk songs are Lai HaraobaIshei, PanaIshei, KhullongIshei.

Handicrafts of Manipur

The admirer of handicrafts of Manipur is all over the Indian subcontinent. The people of Manipur are talented, artistic, and creative. The handicrafts of the state are the evidence showing that the people of Manipur have not only inherited the rich culture but also the perfect craftsmanship. The bamboo work of Manipur is acknowledged by people from all over the country.  Manipuri Saris, tribal shawls, bamboo work are depictions of the rich culture of Manipur.

Cuisine of Manipur

The traditional food of Manipur is delicious that can make your heart flutter. The traditional food is the true resemblance of the simplicity of the complex culture. The staple food of Manipuris is rice. Ngrifish is one of the most loved and recommended dishes of Manipur.

Food of Manipur – 8 famous food of Manipur

Occupation of Manipur

Agriculture is the main occupation which is mainly pursued by the people of Manipur. Besides Agriculture, there is a number of small scale industries that are being operated by the people of Manipur. People of Manipur grow a number of crops such as wheat, maize, pulses, etc.

Festivals of Manipur

Festivals are the occasions when the culture of any state can be seen in its truest form. On festivals in Manipur, people wear their traditional dresses resembling their culture and as a representative of their ethnic group participate in these festivals. There are numerous festivals that are organized from time to time where you can appreciate the culture of Manipur. Some of the festivals are kut festival, Lai-Haraoba, Gang-Ngai, yaosang. The rituals and customs are performed with so much zeal and fervor and these rituals, customs, and events show us that the novelty and purity of the culture is preserved by the people of manipuris. These festivals are always been an attraction point for the tourist of Manipur.