THE LAND

More than 67 per cent of the total area of Manipur is covered with the sub-Himalayan forest. Interestingly the state has a fascinating topography – an oval-shaped valley in the centre surrounded by an outer area of rugged hills. Depending upon the altitude, the vegetation varies from tropical semi-evergreen to pines and moist deciduous. Varieties of flora found in the state include pines, bamboos, oak, teak, and types of reeds; rubber, cardamom and coffee and vast tracts of paddy fields.

ECONOMY

The state has made significant advance in the agriculture. The main crop of the state is paddy. More than 70% of the high yielding varieties of paddy are locally bred, Punshi, Phouoibi Moirang Phou and KD.

Handloom is one of the biggest industries in Manipur. There are more than 3 lakh spindles and at least 3 lakh persons are employed in the field. The Manipur Spinning Mill, established in 1974 has grown to use 16,416 spindles. The Khandsari Sugar Factory, a TV assembly unit and a cycle assembly unit are working in full swing.

Manipur is the first to introduce Oak Tasar Industry. There are more than 75 Tasar Farms in the hills and the valley, practicing mulberry rearing in traditional ways producing 45,000 kg of raw silk annually by reeling and spinning and utilise the same in handloom industry.

The State is on the railway map with the opening of a rail head at Jiribam in May, 1990.

THE PEOPLE

The Nagas and Kukis constitute about 34 per cent of the population of the state as Christians, the Manipuri Brahmins and Manipuri Muslims also constituted a substantial percentage of population of the state. Large sections of the population are followers of Vaishnavism. Sanamahism, a Meitei form of religion is the oldest practiced faith of the state which believes in the worship of the Sun God.

The State is a multi-cultural society consisting of 37 recognised Scheduled Tribes. It is also inhabited by other prominent communities, who came here as migrants from other Indian states like Marwaris, Bengalis, Biharis and Punjabis. The different communities live together in harmony. Manipur is also a culturally developed where theatre and fine arts are pursued as profession. The lists of the scheduled tribes are given below:

Aimol	Anal	Angami	Chiru	Chothe	Gangte
Hmar	Kabui	Kacha Naga	Koirao	Koireng	Kom
Kharam	Lamkang	Lushai	Mao	Maram	Maring
Monsang	Moyon	Paite	Poumei	Purum	Ralte
Sema	Simte	Suhte	Tarao	Tangkhul	Thadou
Vaiphei	Zou	Rongmei	Inpui	Zeme	Liangmai
Any Kuki tribes

DISTRICTS AND ITS CITIES:

Bishnupur District

History

Bishnupur District is said to be the land of the Dancing Deer. The original name of the District was Lumlangdong (now Lamangdong). As soon as Kyamba ascended throne of Manipur in 1467 A.D he conquered Kyang, which was a Shan kingdom in the Kabow Valley. When Kiyamba attacked Kyang along with Chaopha Khe Khomba (the king of Pong) they won the battle and the conquered areas were divided between the two kings. It is said that an image of Vishnu was given by the Pong king along with the fruit pong "hei" ton (guava) and the ponghawai (a kind of dal), Kyamba kept the given "Vishnu" image at Lumlangdong which also came to be known as Bishnupur i.e. abode of Vishnu.

District at a glance

The Bishnupur with it’s headquarter at Bishnupur (27 Km. from Imphal) was opened on 25^th May 1983. Stretching between 93.43 º E and 93.53 º E Longitudes and 24.18 º N and 24.44 º N Latitudes the total geographical area of the District is 530 Sq. Km. It is bounded on the North by Imphal West District, on the South by Churachandpur District, on the East by Imphal and Thoubal Districts. There are three sub divisions in the district. They are 1). Bishnupur sub division, 2). Moirang sub division and 3). Nambol sub division. There are 6 Circles in the district. They are Bishnupur, Nambol and Oinam circles within Bishnupur sub division and Moirang, Ningthoukhong and Kumbi circles within Moirang sub division.

The district has two CD Blocks viz. a). Bishnupur CD Block with its HQ at Bishnupur and b). Moirang CD Block with its HQ at Moirang Khunou. There are six Assembly constituencies. They are 1). Nambol 24-A.C, 2). Oinam 25-A.C, 3). Bishnupur 26-A.C, 4). Moirang 27-A.C, 5). Thanga 28-A.C, and 6). Kumbi 29-A.C.

Location Altitude (Above MSL)	828.18 Metre
Total area (1991 Census)	496.00 Sq. Km.
Total Population (1991 census)	1,80,773
b)Male	91,125
c)Female	89,648
Sex Ratio (Female per thousand males)	984 nos.
Density of Population per Sq. Km	364 nos.
Literacy Percentage	54.94 %
Male Literacy Percentage	68.59 %
Female Literacy Percentage	41.13 %

Education:

Primary Schools
Teachers	961
Scholars	19,910
Junior High Schools
Teachers	718
Scholars	15,613
High Schools
Teachers	813
Scholars	14,831
Higher Secondary Schools
Teachers	145
Scholars	2,338
Arts & Science College	1

Tourist places:

Vishnu Temple:

Vishnu Temple is situated at Bishnupur about 27 km west of Imphal city on Tiddim Road. The conical temple of Lord Vishnu that was built in 1467 during the reign of King Kiyamba. The temple is constructed in accordance with Chinese tradition and design.

Loktak Hydropower Project:

The Loktak Hydropower Project is situated at Ningthoukhong on the Imphal River with the Loktak Lake waters as the source of the power generation. The Multipurpose project was built in the year 1983 for supplying power to Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Keibul Lamjao National Park:

It is the only floating park in the world situated on the Southern shores of Loktak Lake. It is also the only remaining natural habitat of the Eld’s Deer, also called Brow-antlered deer, Sangai in local dialect.

Loktak Lake:

Loktak Lake, a very scenic destination, 48 Km from the capital city of Imphal, is the largest freshwater lake in the north eastern India. It is rich in bio-diversity which has made it the perfect home of avian life. The beauty of the lake has been enhanced by the presence of floating weed called Phumdi. Tourists can get fascinating glimpses of the lake from hotels and tourist bungalows situated atop the surrounding Sendra islands. The presence of the Keibul Lamjao National Park on the southern part of the lake, which is the only floating national park of this world, has made the lake more unique.

Sendra Island:

It is situated in the middle of the Loktak Lake with tourist cottages. From these place tourists can get fascinating view of the Loktak Lake and its surroundings.

Red Hill (Maibam Lotpaching):

Red Hill is a hillock situated about 16 km from Imphal on Tiddim Road (NH - 150). It is a place where the Allied Forces and the Japanese Forces fought a fierce battle during World War II. War Veterans had constructed "India Peace Memorial" a monument in memory of Japanese soldiers who died in the battle.

Moirang:

It is located 45 km away from Imphal city towards the south western side of the Capital. The place is famous since the flag of the Indian National Army (INA) was first hoisted on the Indian soil on 14^th April 1944. A bronze statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in uniform stands tall at this place. This place is also famous for Moirang Lai-Haraoba festival to honor the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing at the temple situated in the vicinity of the town.

Loukoipat Ecological Park:

It is one of the tourist spots in Bishnupur established in the early part of 1992. The lake is surrounded by green foliage hillocks situated just at the outskirt of the main Bishnupur town. Pedalos (Pedal Rowing Boats) are also available for the tourists.

Phubala Resort:

Phubala is an attractive resort situated on a small island in the western side of Loktak Lake. Visitors can enjoy boating and other water sports in this resort. Floating islands in and around the vast expanses of Loktak Lake can be seen from this resort.

Chandel District

The Chandel District (formerly known as Tengnoupal District) came into existence on 13^th May 1974. The District lies in the south-eastern part of Manipur at 24^o40' N Latitude and 93^o50' E Longitude bordering Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) on the south, Ukhrul district on the east, Churachandpur district on the south and west, and Thoubal district on the north.

The district is inhabited by several communities. Prominent tribes inhabiting in the district are Anal, Chothe, Kuki, Lamkang, Maring, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Thadou, and Zou etc. The Moreh town, the international trade centre of the state, lies on the southernmost part of the district.

Festivals

Different tribes of the district have their own festivals. Some of the important festivals of the Anal tribe are Ikam, Inhla, Philthabla (Hunting & fighting festival), Mikhamphan (collection of money & food), Sungkhomlkhan (fencing of village boundary with religious significance). Thadou tribe has Chon festival, Kukis have Chavan Kut festival, Nagas have Lui Nai Ni festival, Monsang tribe has Kum ether Borhin esha festival. Maring Tribe celebrates Lamlai, Cheemchang, Khongkaap etc.

Flora and Fauna

Chandel District has varieties of flora and fauna. Various types of orchids and medicinal plants are abundantly found in the district. Anisomeles indica (thoiding amuba) is a shrub found at pallel area used mainly as an appetiser. Areca catechu (Supari) is a slender tall palm found in Moreh area used for leucodermal patches. Brucea javanica (Heining) is a small tree found in Pallel area where its fruits are used for diarrhoea, dysentery and malignant malaria. Poultice of leaves is applied in skin troubles. Roots are used in bowel complaints. Crasscephalum crepidiodes (Terapaibi) is a herb found in Moreh area, whose leaves are used for treating stomach disorders. Anotis foetida (Khut-chappi) is a small herb found in Sugnu and Pallel areas, where its smashed roots are applied to fractured bone which acts as a poultice of plaster of Paris for setting and healing. The same is applied to boils.

The Hoolok Gibbon (Yongmu) is also found in Chandel district. The Slow Loris, the Pig Tailed Macaque, the Stumped Tailed Macaque, the Clouded leopard and the Golden Cat are found in the district. The Himalayan Black Bear, the Malayan Sun Bear, Herds of Bison, Sambhar and Thai Pangolins are also sighted in the district. Birds like Pheasant, Burmese peafowl are also sighted in the district.

Tourist places:

Tengnoupal:

It is situated on the way to Moreh town which is about 69 Km away from Imphal City. It is the highest point on the way from Imphal. Full view of the Imphal Valley can be seen from the hill-top of this place. To stay at or pass through the elevated peak of a village, you need warm clothing in any part of the year.

Moreh:

It is situated 110 km South East of Imphal City. The place has been developed for International Trade Centre for India and Myanmar. It is an International Border as well as a commercial hub for the North East. Right on the other side of the border, at Namphalong, a big Myanmarese shopping complex selling all kinds of Thailand and Chinese goods as available in the vicinity area of the Moreh Town. Tourists visiting here can avail of tours into Myanmarese towns of Mandalay and Kalimiew.

Machi:

Machi is one of the sub-divisions of Chandel District. The place has beautiful scenic landscapes surrounding the sub-division. It is cold throughout the year. During winter the place looks like floating above the clouds. It has fertile soils and ample amount of passion fruits, corriander and hill fruits are produced from this place. Visitors can view the scenic beauty of Manipur Valley once you are on the top of this Hill station.

Churachandpur District

Churachandpur District is situated southwest of Manipur with an area of 4570 sq.km. It is the largest district and the second largest town in Manipur. The name Churachandpur was coined from the then king of Manipur Raja Churachand Singh in the year 1921. Originally the place was called as Lamka by the people of the place. Churachandpur valley (or Tuitha valley) was a tiny village situated on the west bank of Tuitha river. It expanded significantly towards the Tuitha river bank.

By the 1970s, the commercial frontier of Lamka in the east and the missionary frontier of Songpi in the west had practically merged. Tuibuong in the north sprang up as the administrative frontier that houses most of the district headquarters. New Lamka became the southern frontier of new urban settlers.

Churachandpur town is about 65 km away from Imphal. It is connected to the Imphal city by Tedim road (also known as National Highway 150).

A number of communities inhabit the district. Some of the major tribes are Paite, Gangte, Simte, Hmar, Vaiphei, Thadou, Lushai and Zou. There are also other non-Manipuri ethnic groups like Nepalese, Biharis, Malwaris, and Punjabis.

Languages

Major languages spoken in the district are Paite, Thadou and Hmar with smaller groups- Zou, Vaiphei, Gangte, Simte, Mizo, Kom, Aimol and Meiteilon(Manipuri).

Places of tourist interest

Khuga Dam:

Khuga dam is built over the Khuga River at the southern tip of Lamka town near Mata village. It is one of the most beautiful artificial lakes in the North East India. The dam site is just 7 km south of Churachandpur town and has become a favourite picnic spot for local residents and tourists. This multi-purpose project irrigates 150 sq.km of land within 20 km of the dam site and will also supply 5 million imperial gallons (23,000 m³) of drinking water and 1.75 MW of electricity for the town.

Ngaloi Falls:

It is situated at Ngaloimul village under Tuibuong Block. Enchanting waterfalls rushing down from low lying mountains with green scenic beauty in and around the waterfalls is worth seeing and is one of the favourite tourist spots in the district.

Tonglon Cave:

The Churachandpur hills also have a number of mysterious caves that unveiled a lot of historical and cultural accounts of the people residing in the district. The engraving scripts, sculptures carved in the caves are worth seeing.

Tipaimukh:

Tipaimukh is a place where the Barak River and Tuivai River meets. Visitors can move around the place boating and glance the scenic beauty in and around the place.

Tribal museums:

The town has two tribal museums at Tuibuong and Thangzam Road (Hill-Town). It displays the beautiful collections of tribal crafts and their belongings like costumes, ornaments, weapons, bamboo and cane crafts, handloom products, head gears etc.

Imphal – East District

History

Imphal East District came into existence on 18^th June 1997 with its head quarters at Porompat which was bifurcated from the erstwhile Imphal District. The district is situated in two separate valleys of the state viz. Central Valley and Jiribam Valley. The total area of the district is 469 sq.km approximately. The connectivity of the district is entirely dependent on roads since there is no rail network (except Jiribam Sub-Division). The district is connected with NH 39, NH 53 and NH 150.

Flora and Fauna

Climatic conditions of the district are suitable for a wide range of flora and fauna. Bamboos, Amla, Parkia Roxburgil (Yongchak), Kaubila, Eucalyptus and Pepals are found abundantly in the district. Varieties of medicinal plants are grown wild in the entire district. Fruits like Papaya, Mango, Peach, Tamarind, Plum, Pear and Guava are grown abundantly in the district. Large varieties of birds like Pigeon, Wood Pecker, Kite, Sparrow, Owl and Nightingale are found in the district.

Art and Culture

Pena:

Pena is a stringed musical instrument usually used to invoke the gods and goddesses. It is made up of two parts called the Penamasa and Pena Cheijing. Now the instrument is played in musical concerts also.

Khongjom Parva:

Initially Khongjom Parva was performed as musical narration of the Battle of Khongjom fought between the Manipuris and the Britich in April 1891, glorifying the Manipuri soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland. Today, it includes the stories of Khamba and Thoibi, the exploits of the kings of Manipur.

District Profile

There are four revenue sub division of the district. They are 1). Porompat sub division, 2). Sawombung sub division, 3). Jiribam sub division, 4). Keirao Bitra sub division. There are three CD Blocks in the district. They are a). Imphal East-I CD Block, Sawombung CD Block, b). Imphal East-II CD Block, Keirao Bitra and c). Jiribam CD Block.

There are 19 members in a Zilla Parishad. The Adhyaksha of the Parishad headed the DRDA (District Rural Development Agency) of the district as Chairperson. The DC is the Executive Director of the DRDA assisted by Project Director.

Unique Handloom & Handicrafts

Handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in the district. Among the womenfolk, handloom cloth weaving is the traditional occupation of the district. Their productions of clothes are mainly household clothes for everyday use and traditional ceremonial dress etc. Wangkhei, Chingmeirong and Khurai are some of the important places where handloom weaver co-operative societies are concentrated. Handloom products like Wangkhei Phi, Lashing Phi and Phanek are in great demand in the district. Cane and Bamboo works, Carpentry, Black smithy and Jewellery etc. are the important household industries among the male people in the district. The artisans in these trades are widely spread over the district.

Tourist places

Some of the tourist place in the district are Kaina, Jiribam, Poirou Pat (surrounded by small hillock), Kangla, Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, War Cemeteries at Dewlahland and Hatta, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, MAASI at Keirao, Mahabali Hanuman Temple (pre-historical place in Imphal), Mutua Museum at Andro etc.

Kaina:

It is a sacred place of the Hindus situated about 29 Km from Imphal on the Yairipok Road towards the eastern side of Imphal Valley. The place is related to Lord Govindajee situated at a beautiful hillock with a temple enshrined with the image of Shri Govindajee carved out of a jackfruit tree. The scenery of the place is charming and the hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the place a sanity and religious atmosphere.

Jiribam:

Jiribam is a small city situated at the westernmost side of the state. It is also said to be the western Gateway of Manipur since it is the only railway station of the state. Jiribam is located in the Imphal East district of Manipur with 24.80°N 93.12°E at an elevation of about 30 meters above the sea level. The city is around 220 Km from the state capital city Imphal. It is located on the Manipur-Assam border. Jiribam derives its name from the Jiri River that flows through the city. The place has beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and streams. The region is rich in forest resources like cane and bamboo, timber, brooms etc. and a variety of plants having medicinal values.

Shri Shri Govindajee Temple:

This temple is a sacred place for the Vaishnavites, decorated with beautiful twin gold domes. The temple has a large hall with a courtyard. It is situated just adjacent to the palace of the former kings of Manipur.

Kangla:

'Kangla' was the ancient capital of Manipur from the ancient times down to the year 1891 AD. It is located at the heart of the Imphal city. It is an old palace situated on the western side of the Imphal river bank. Kangla means ‘dry land’ in old Meitei dialect.

Saheed Minar:

The Minor is situated at the Bir Tikendrajit Park on the eastern side of Imphal Pologround. It commemorates the indomitable spirit of the Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Manipur during Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891.

National Stadium:

Khuman Lampak National Stadium Sports Complex is the biggest sports complex in Manipur and within its campus main stadium with synthetic track and natural turf football ground, synthetic hockey stadium, cycle velodrome, indoor stadium, 50 m swimming and diving pool, cricket ground, Kangshang, auditorium, etc are available.

Khwairamband Bazaar:

This is also called Ima Keithel in local dialect. The market is very special for the people of Manipur because all the stall holders are women. This is a large covered market split into two sections on both sides of the Khwairamband Road. Vegetables, fishes, household utensils & implements and fruits are sold on one side and colourful handloom shawls, bedsheets, phaneks, khudeis on the other.

Manipur State Museum:

The Manipur State Museum was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi on 23rd September, 1969. This Museum has become a full-fledged multipurpose Museum comprising of various galleries like - Archeology, Ethnology, Painting, Natural History, Jallan, Children's Gallery and an open air gallery for housing the 78 ft long boat called Hiyang Hiren (Royal boat).

War Cemetery:

This place stands in the heart of the Imphal city for those war heroes of the British and the Indian Armies who died in the Second World War maintained well with bronze plaques recording brief accounts of their sacrifices. It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Mutua Museum:

A Cultural Complex established by Mutua Museum is situated at Andro village (about 26 km east of Imphal). Various artifacts of the State and from all over the North East such as pottery collection, paintings, rare coins, rare manuscripts of the state, basketries, bell metals, wood carving, jewelleries, etc are exhibited. There are exact replicas of different tribes and groups of the state like Kabui, Maring, Poumai, Meitei, Kuki, Tangkhul etc.

Imphal – West District

Imphal West District is situated at the centre of the Manipur Valley surrounded by plains of other districts. Imphal City is the nodal functional centre of the district.

Flora and Fauna

The district is endowed with varieties of flora and fauna. The climatic conditions of the district are favourable for growing varieties of herbs, shrubs and trees. Bamboos, Amla, Parkia Roxburgil (Yongchak), Kaubila, Eucalyptus and Pepals are found abundantly in the district. Varieties of medicinal plants are grown wild in the entire district. Fruits like Papaya, Mango, Peach, Tamarind, Plum, Pear and Guava are grown abundantly in the district. Large varieties of birds like Pigeon, Wood Pecker, Kite, Sparrow, Owl and Nightingale are found in the district.

The district is a home of varieties of animals. Fox, wild pig, deer, jungle cat, monkeys and leopards are the important animals habitted in the district. The common birds available in the district are sparrow, pigeon, owl, swallow, nightingale, wood pecker, kite, etc.

Art and Culture

Love of art and beauty is inherent in the people. Manipuris are artistic and creative by nature. Handloom and handicraft products are famous for their designs and colours. Each community residing in the district has its own distinct culture and traditions deeply embedded in their dances, customary practices.

Tourist places:

Manipur Zoological Garden:

It is situated at Iroishenba at the foot of the hillocks where full of pine trees are grown, which is about 6 km west from Imphal town. The Garden is on the way from Imphal – Kangchup Road. One of the rarest species of the world “brow-antlered deer” is found in this garden.

Khwairamband Bazaar:

Manipur State Museum:

The Manipur State Museum was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi on 23rd September, 1969. This Museum has become a full-fledged multipurpose Museum comprising of various galleries like - Archaeology Ethnology, Painting, Natural History, Jallan, Children's Gallery and an open air gallery for housing the 78 ft long boat called Hiyang Hiren (Royal boat).

War Cemetery:

Senapati District

Senapati District is located in the northern part of Manipur bordering Ukhrul District on the east, Tamenglong District on the west, Phek District of Nagaland on the north and Imphal East District and Imphal West District on the south. Senapati District was earlier known as Manipur North District with its headquarters at Karong. It was shifted to Senapati and came to be known as Senapati District on 15^th July 1983.

The district has scenic beauties with green valleys, mountains and deep gorges. The district has rich varieties of flora and fauna. The hills run along the north south direction and gradually slope down towards south and meet the Imphal valley.

Tourist Places:

Senapati:

It is situated about 62 km away from Imphal on the Imphal – Dimapur National Highway. The town is newly constructed with more than 30 government offices are located in the HQ. Various ethnic groups are living in the town harmoniously.

Maram Khullen:

It is one of the biggest villages in the district. It is a very old and primitive village and an attractive destination for the anthropologist, research scholar and the like.

Willong Monolith:

Willong Khullen is situated about 37 km from Maram (NH 39) on the Maram Peren Road where many stones are standing erected some of which are more than seven meters tall and one meter thick.

Mao:

It is one of the oldest hill stations of Manipur situated 107 km away from Imphal located midway between Dimapur and Imphal on the National Highway 39. One may find varieties of fresh vegetables and fruits produced from hill villages in and around Mao. The Mao IB, built by the Royal Military Engineers in 1897 is more than hundred years old. It is the granary of the surrounding villages and the gateway of Manipur.

Yangkhullen:

It is the largest Zemei village located 47 km from Maram Centre in Peren road. The primitive social and economic life is still prevailing in the village. It is situated amidst the steep cliff of beautiful landscape.

Liyai:

It is situated about 33 km from Tadubi towards the east. Various historical places like the Stone monolith, the Banyan tree and the Water pools. The river Barak originates from the village.

Makhel:

Makhel is believed to be a sacred place for many ethnic communities of Manipur and Nagaland from where they migrated to the present places of settlements. There are historical monuments like i) the sacred Banyan trees (which are believed to have grown from the tomb of the Naga mother). ii) The farewell monolith. iii) The hailstorm stone. iv) Village settlement stone. v) The lucky stone vi) The tri-monolith (3 km south to Makhel). vii) The dispersal tree at Sajouba (2 km north to Makhel) etc. Makhel has the oldest pear tree, memorial to the breakup.

Dzuko Valley:

It is one of the most enchanting places that beckon the intrepid trekkers. At an elevation of 2483m, it provides a panoramic view of the mountains, wild flowers, mountain streams and the surrounding landscapes. One can observe snowfall in winter and budding flowers of Dzuko lily in spring season.

Mt. Isu:

It is the highest peak in the district.

Festivals

Thounii:

Thounii is a New Year cultural festival of Poumai Nagas celebrated on every 5^th January to mark cultural resurgence, social interaction and family reunion.

Chiithuni:

Chiithuni is a six day annual festival of Mao Nagas celebrated from 25^th day of Chuthunikhro (Dec-Jan). It is called ‘feast of dawn’, which is celebrated to rejuvenate the cultural heritage of the Mao Nagas.

Laonii:

Laonii is a sacred festival of Poumai Nagas celebrated on completion of paddy plantation. It usually falls in the last fortnight of every July to interact and renew ties with brothers and sisters.

Ponghi:

Ponghi is a seven day customary festival of Maram Nagas celebrated on 20^th day of Ponghi-kii (July) on completion of paddy transplantation.

Saleni:

Saleni is a customary festival of Mao Nagas, celebrated in the month of Salekhro (July) on completion of paddy transplantation. The whole men of the village have to purify themselves by taking bath early in the morning in the pond.

Kanghi:

Kanghi is a seven day customary festival of Maram Nagas held in the month of Kanghi-kii (December). Wrestling is played during the festival in stark naked to get shy away the devils so as to obviate misfortune and injury.

Tamenglong District

Tamenglong District is entirely composed of hill ranges and narrow valleys, dotted with small hamlets.

People and Culture:

Tamenglong District is mainly inhabited by Zeliangrong Naga tribe (comprising of Zemei, Liangmei, Rongmei and Pumei), Kukis, Hmars. Zeliangrongs are Tibeto-Burman (Indo-Mongoloid) of Sino-Tibetan family of the Mongolian race. Zeliangrong people belong to patriarchal social system where each clan enjoys equal status.

Festivals

Zeliangrong people celebrate festival every month. Festivals and Dances are closely linked with religion. Most of the dances of Zeliangrong are performed during the time of festival which is associated with their economic and socio-cultural ethos.

Gan-Ngai:

It is one of the important festivals of the Zeliangrong Nagas, celebrated for five days in the month of January/February. The festival starts with traditional rituals by blowing horn and by making fresh fire with the ancient friction method and distributed to every household. People of all age dressed in their best attire celebrated the festival with common feast, dances presentation of farewell gifts etc.

Rih-ngai (Chaga Ngai):

It is a war festival exclusively for male members. It is celebrated during January – February where no stranger is allowed to enter the village during this festival. An interesting event during the festival is shooting at an effigy of a warrior with pointed bamboo splits. It is believed that one who hit the effigy on:

- the head, will be successful in war.
- the chest, will be successful in hunting.
- the abdomen, will be lucky in cultivation etc.

Gudui-Ngai:

This festival is celebrated during the seed-sowing season in April. After completion of task like clearance of jungle for jhum cultivation everyone will drink ginger (gu) juice (dui). Tug of war is performed between male and female symbolising competition between God and Goddess for possessing the paddy. If the girls win it indicates a good harvest.

Banruhmei & Tarang:

There are two feasts of merit performed by one who is bold, brave, generous and rich enough to feed the whole village. It is believed that if a man could perform both the feasts of merit during his lifetime, he is supposed to have accomplished his life's work.

During Banruhmei various songs and dances are performed observing strict forms. The entire villagers, irrespective of age, will participate the feast, which may last a few weeks. The wife of the host will perform a special dance with a rice beer cistern of gourd, pouring it out rhythmically.

Tarang (or Kaisumei) can be performed only by those who have performed Banruhmei, if he still can afford. Here the special house of merit called Tarang-kai is constructed.

Dances

The rich cultural heritage of the Zeliangrong is reflected in their varieties of dances performed during their festivals. Dances are performed in different steps and forms.

Some of the popular dances of the Zeliangrong are as below:

Ri Lam War Dance

Jaopa Lam Victory Dance

Rangdai Lam Hornbill Dance

Hansiangmai Lam Bamboo Dance

Mangrelim Dance of fly

Ga Lam Crab Dance

Khuairuna Lam Bee’s Dnace

Tariang Lam Spinning Dance

Makhom Lam Fertility Dance

Maukana Lam Kawk Dance.

Flora & Fauna

Tamenglong District is covered with scenic beauties, orchids, rare plants and animals. Various types of flora, grasses, herbs and creepers are found in the district. Bamboos are abundantly found in this district. The forests are rich in wildlife. Peafowl, jungle fowls, pheasants, deer, hog deer, fox, hyena, wild pig, wild dogs, bear, slow loris, serow, leopard, tiger, cobra, python, cranes and ducks are found in different parts of the district.

Tamenglong is called as the land of the Hornbill. Great pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis homrai), Indian pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros malabaricus malabaricus) species are found in this district.

Tourist Places

Tharon Cave:

It is located at about 27 km away from the district head quarter. The map of the entire cave is engraved on the stone of the main entrance.

Zeilad Lake:

It is situated at Makoi (Atengba) with other nearby lakes like Nrou Zei, Nap-sam Zei, Guiphop Zei etc. The lake is famous for pythons and fishes.

Buning (N-Piulong):

The Buning meadow is located on the western side of Tamei town. A number of uneven mounts, numerous brooks are located at a stretch. The cry of hoolock gibbon, howling of foxes and chirping of numerous birds together from the buning a big wildlife family.

Orange Festival

Tamenglong is said to be the largest producer of Oranges in Manipur. The district is famous for all kinds of horticulture products like Papaya, Pineapple, Coconut, Mango, Litchi etc. Orange Festival has been organised in the district every year to facilitate the farmers of the district to sell their products in an organised market.

Thoubal District

Thoubal District is one of the biggest districts of the Manipur Valley which came into existence in May, 1983. It lies between 23° 45' N and 24°45' N latitude and 93°45' E and 94°15' E longitude bordering Imphal District on the north, Ukhrul and Chandel Districts on the east, Chandel and Churachandpur Districts on the south, and Imphal and Bishnupur Districts on the west. The district has a total land area of 514 sq.kms. All important lakes of Manipur, except the Loktak Lake, are in available this district. The district is bifurcated into Thoubal and Kakching Sub-Divisions and Thoubal and Kakching Municipalities. The district has major towns like Thoubal, Kakching, Kakching Khunou, Yairipok, Lilong, Heirok and Sugnu.

Flora and Fauna

Different types of trees are found in this district. Some of the important trees include Pipal trees, Tera, Tairen. Bamboos are also found abundantly in this district. Some of the important fruit bearing plants include pineapple, banana, lemon, mango, pear, jack fruit, guava.

Thoubal District has varieties of flora and fauna. Various types of orchids and medicinal plants are abundantly found in the district. Anisomeles indica (thoiding amuba) is a shrub found at Pallel area used mainly as an appetiser. Brucea Javanica (Heining) is a small tree found in Pallel area where its fruits are used for diarrhoea, dysentery and malignant malaria. Poultice of leaves is applied in skin troubles. Roots are used in bowel complaints. Anotis Foetida (Khut-chappi) is a small herb found in Sugnu and Pallel areas, where its smashed roots are applied to fractured bone which acts as a poultice of plaster of Paris for setting and healing. The same is applied to boils.

Tourist Places

The important tourist places in Thoubal district are Chinga Lairembi temple, Manipur Sahitya Building, Tomjing Ching, Panthoibee temple, Kharung Ikop Lake, Pumlen, Lousi, Nganglou, Waithou Lake, Punam hill, HaoKha, Mantak, Kwarok, Thoubal Keithel, Ningombam Laxmi Bazar, Athokpam Bazar, Khongjom, Pallel, Khangabok, Wangjing, Wababai, Yairipok etc.

Thoubal:

It is the district head quarter of Thoubal district situated at a distance of 22 kms from Imphal on the National highway No. 39. The Thoubal River flows through the centre of the town from east to west. It is the biggest town in the district and is one of the most important trading centres of the district.

Kakching:

It is the sub-divisional headquarters of Kakching sub-division and is a famous trading centre of a variety of vegetables, fishes and rice. Major products brought from Moreh (International Market near Myanmar) are sold at Kakching. The place is also famous for various temples like Shri Krishnachandra Mandir, Narasingha Mandir and Viswanath Mandir. An area of 100 acres is occupied by Kakching Airfield (Pallel Airfield) during World War II. The famous People Museum is located in this town where various items like Pottery, basketry, wooden seats, music instruments, war and hunting instruments are displayed. The place is easily approachable from the National Highway and is connected to the other State highways. It is about 2 km from Khangshim Maring Village which is the junction point of National Highway and the road leading to Kakching.

Kakching Leikol (Uyokching):

It is situated on the hillock near Kakching, which is about 45 Km away from Imphal. Many varieties of flora are abundantly grown on this hillock with beautiful hill shrubs and charming natural surroundings creates the place more scenic view. One can get complete view of Kakching Valley from this hillock.

Khongjom:

It is situated about 10 kms to the south of Thoubal (about 36 Kms away from Imphal City) on the Indo-Myanmar Road. It was the place where Maj. General Paona Brajabashi and other Manipuri warriors have fought against the mighty British Army in 1891. A war memorial was laid on the top of Kheba Hill to mark the symbol of their patriotism. 23^rd April is observed as a Khongjom Day every year in memory of those heroes.

Sugnu:

It is situated about 74 kms away from Imphal. The place is an important trading centre of the district. From it a beautiful view of the Imphal River can be seen.

Waithou:

It is situated on the way from Imphal about 3 km from the district head quarter. The place is important for its scenic beauty. The place is noted for its tasteful pineapples, local fish called 'Ngaton'. Waithou Lake is situated at this place.

Pallel:

It is situated on the Indo-Myanmar road. It is situated at the border of Thoubal and Chandel districts. The place has a beautiful landscape with its rivers flowing from the hills. Various types of handicrafts made by the people of the hills are found in this place.

Yairipok:

Yairipok is one of the biggest towns in Thoubal District situated on the eastern side of the district head quarter, Thoubal. The megalith built between 1579 1652 AD are famous for their structures. The monolith has a carved structure of a Tortoise, Kurma an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and God of Elephants.

Ukhrul District

Ukhrul District is situated in the north eastern side of Imphal valley bordering Myanmar in the east, Chandel District in the south, Imphal East and Senapati District in the west and Nagaland in the north. The District HQ is situated about 84 km away from Imphal on the National Highway 150 with 24N - 25.41 N and 94 E - 94.47 E. The highest peak is the Khayang peak (3114 m). The famous peak is the Shirui Kashung Peak (2835 m). The district has striped by few rivers: Somrah - Angkoching range (striped by Sanalok and Namba Lok); Shangshak - Phungyar range adjacent to which is the Shokvao - Mapithel - Kasom range (striped by Tuyungbi and Taret Lok in the middle and Thoubal river in the West) and Kachai - Hoome - Tampak Ngashan range (striped by the tributaries of Thoubal river in Eastern side and Iril River in the Western side).

Ukhrul District was upgraded from Sub Division to a full-fledged revenue district in the year 1969. The district has five sub divisions and four Sub Deputy Collectors.

Land and the People

Ukhrul district is the home of the Tangkhuls situated on the north eastern side of the Imphal Valley. It is a land of beautiful mountains interspersed by numerous tribal habitats and their way of life. The Tangkhuls belong to Mongolian race where their forefathers lived in the upper region of Huang-ho and Yangtze rivers. Due to hardships faced during those days, the people including the Tangkhuls dispersed from that place to different directions between 10000 B.C to 8000 B.C. They settled in Samshok (Thuangdut) area in Myanmar. They were first noticed in Manipur by Poireiton, one of the earliest kings of Manipur Valley.

Arts and Culture

The art and life of the Tangkhul are attractive and highly cultured. They wear different types of handmade costumes and designs. Some of the costumes are exclusively made for men or for women. Their use of utensils, monumental erections shows their excel in arts.

Music and Dance

Tangkhuls are fond of music where various seasonal events and cultural and historical events are encoded into it. Religious ethics and romantic nature of the people are composed into music and expressed as folksongs and folklores. These folksongs are played and accompanied by musical instruments like Phung (Drum), Tala (Trumpet), Tingteila (Violin), Sipa (Flute), Kaha Ngashingkhon (Bamboo pipe).

The dances of the Tangkhuls are rhythmic corresponding to the composition of the songs. Most of the dances are vigorous and thrilling. Some are occasional dances like Rain Pheichak (War Dance), Laa Khanganui (Virgin Dance) and Kathi Mahon (Dance of the dead).

Flora and Fauna

Ukhrul District is gifted with rich flora and fauna. It is famous for Siroy Lily (Lilium Mackliniae). Locally known as Kashongwon it was first discovered by a British Botanist, Frank Kingdom Ward in 1946 when he came to Manipur for botanical collection on behalf of the New York Botanical Garden. The uniqueness of the lily is that, it has seven colours when examined through a microscope. It is 2 – 3 ft. tall with its leaves arranged spirally. Siroy (Shirui) Lily was declared as State Flower in the year 1989.

Haramwon is famous for its white colour and later known as snow white from the snow that falls on Songrei peak where the flower blooms. Some other flowers found in the district are nuisiwon, shiriwon, shilungwon, chamteiwon, kokruiwon, muivawon etc.

There are hundreds of varieties of trees, flowering plants, orchids, shrubs and ferns. Some of the trees and plants like Acacia, Alder, Parkia Javanica and various types of wild roses, red and white rhododendrons (kokruiwon) are abundantly grown in the district.

Varieties of birds and animals like monkey, tiger, salamander, porcupine, tragopan, leopard, black bears, deer, wild buffalo, wild cat, wild pig, bishon (mithun) and many unidentified species are found in the district. An area of 100 sq.km around Shirui Peak has been declared as National Park in 1988 by the Government of Manipur. Some of the important species of fish like snow trout (khainguila), golden mhaseer (ngara), mastcembelus (chipang), naemecheilus (hangkorkhai), barilius guteltus (ngapaila), chana (khaiva) etc are abundantly found in the district.

Tourist Places

Some of the important tourist places worth to visit are Khayang Peak, Khangkhui Cave, Shirui Kashung, Khangkhui Mangsor, Kachouphung Lake, Ango Ching, Hundung Mangva Cave, Dilily Waterfall, Saline Springs at Rajai Khullen, Longpi Pottery, Phangrei Picnic spot, Nillai Tea Estate etc.

Khayang Peak:

Khayang peak is 3114 m above the sea level. It is the highest peak in the District.

Shirui Kashung Peak:

The famous peak is the Shirui Kashung Peak which is 2,835 m above the sea level. Most of the major rivers of the district originate from the crevices and slopes of this Shirui Peak. The Siroy lily blooms on this hilltop during second week of May till the first week of June every year.

Shirui:

Shirui is the home of the world famous lily called Siroy Lily (Lilium Mackliniae). It is situated 39 km from Ukhrul and 90 km away from Imphal. Locally known as Kashongwon it was first discovered by a British Botanist, Frank Kingdom Ward in 1946. The Lily was declared state flower in 1988. The Lily is grown only on the peak of Shongrei, the highest Shirui Peak. The peak blooming season of the Lily is during the second week of May to first week of June. According to local legends the Kashong Timrawon is also a protective spirit which resides on the Shirui Peak.

Khangkhui Mangsor (Cave):

Khangkhui Mangsor (Cave) is located about 15 km east of Ukhrul within the area of Kangkhui village. It has two large chambers and five tunnels. Many legends and folklore says that the deity of Mangsor was a very powerful spirit who was benevolent and romantic. He had two wives. The first wife was from Shirui peak and the second wife was from Koubru hills. Each wife have been allotted one chamber each, the better and bigger one to the first wife since she had no issue and lesser but more rooms to the second wife since she had many children.

Kachouphung Lake:

It is located about 7 km south east of Khayang Fall, about 9 acres in area. Situated in a hill slope it is surrounded by a number of knolls. Pisciculture can be flourished abundantly in an around the lake. Ample amount of common carp and colourful fishes exist in this lake.

Ango Ching:

Ango Ching is situated about 90 km east of Ukhrul. It is about 150 sq.km bordering Myanmar in the east, Kachouphung in the north, Sanalok (Chamu) River in the west and Chatric in the south. The area is mostly not accessible because of difficult terrain and remained untouched as virgin forest. It is a natural habitat for large number of flora and fauna. Elephants, deer, tigers, leopard, wild cat, wild buffalo, tragopan, peacock, hook lock, black bear, horn bills are found here.

Festivals

Mangkhap:

This festival is celebrated after the annual plantation is over. It falls around the month of July. People pray with thanksgiving for timely rain and for abundant growth of their crops.

Luira:

This is the seed sowing festival which falls during the months of January to March. The festival is celebrated with great fervour entertaining guests with lavish eats and drinks followed by maiden virgin dances.

Darreo:

This is a pre-harvest festival where new crop, fishes, live-stocks are brought out for sale in the village market. It is said to be the fete day for the village.

Chumpha:

This is a festival of thanksgiving for rich harvest that gathered in the granary. It is celebrated during the months of November and December. During this festival the mother performs special offerings to the God of harvest and the keeper of the granary. While the mother is performing her rituals all male members are not allowed to enter the house for the night. However, they are supplied lavishly for eating with drinks.

Thisham:

Thisham festival falls during the month of January in commemoration of the dead. The dance of the dead is performed during this festival. This is the final rite performed by the family for the dead.

Paathou

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Land and the People

THE LAND

ECONOMY

THE PEOPLE

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