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| Destination
In India
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Manipur |
| Area : |
22,327 Sq. km. |
| Capital : |
IMPHAL. |
| Airport : |
IMPHAL. |
| Main Language : |
MANIPURI, ENGLISH. |
An alluring atmosphere of mystery, a land
wrapped in velvety silence,is what instantly strikes a visitor to Manipur,
which literally means 'theland of jewels'. Described by Lord Irwin as the
'Switzerland of India',Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently
undulating hills, emeraldgreen valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. It is
the sheer tranquilityenveloping it, interrupted only by a soft breeze, that
sets it apart fromthe other North-Eastern states, and makes it the ideal
getaway.
The characteristics of the Manipuri people vary according to geographical
divisions. The Meitees who speak Manipuri, inhabit the plains, while
theKukis and Nagas of the hills, speak different Tibeto - Burmese
dialects.Early Manipuris were followers of Hinduism, and believed in the
hierarchyof the Gods. The advent of Christianity resulted in the conversion
of thepeople residing in the hills, while the majority of men from the
plains continued to be Hindus. Manipuris are enthusiastic polo players, and
the game of polo is said to have originated here. |
¤ Manipuri Dancers |
In the field of art and culture, Manipur is best represented by theclassical
Manipuri style of dance. A style peculiar to itself, its inspirationis
purely religious, and the dance usually relates to the Raas Lila, thelove
story of Radha and Krishna. Lai Haroba (feast of dances,
representingcelebrations of Gods / Goddesses), Pung Cholem (Mridanga
dance),Mao Naga dance, the Priestess dance of Malbe Jagoi, ThangalSurung
dance etc. reflect the vibrant culture of the 29 different tribesof Manipur.
Important festivals of Manipur are the Dol Yatra (Holi) in March, RathYatra
(Car fesival) in June-July and Durga Puja in September-October.
ManipuriHindus celebrate New Year Day, in the second week of April.
The handlooms and handicrafts of Manipur are renowned all over the
country.Every house possesses a loom, and Manipuris weave with a passion and
style,unrivalled by any other state. Manipuri.The exquisite handlooms and
handicraftsare sold at Khwairamband market, the largest exclusive women's
market inthe country, which is a must on every visitor's itinerary.
Manipur has a lot to offer to tourism enthusiasts. Imphal, the
beautifulcapital city in the valley; Mao and Ukhrul, the picturesque hill
resorts;Taminglong, with its exotic landscape; Chandel, home to amazing
tribes;Khonggom and Moirang, reminders of the British Raj in India; and a
glimpseinto the neighbouring country of Burma, through Moreh town on the
border...a visit to these magnificent places, leaves a lingering impression
on themind of the visitor. |
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