Manipur is situated in the easternmost corner of India, neighbouring Myanmar. It has an area of 22,327km2 with a population of 27,21,756 (2011 census). Imphal is the state capital which is divided into two districts. There are another seven districts surrounding it. Two-thirds of the area of Manipur is hilly and the remaining areas are valleys. This land is blessed with amazing Varieties of flora and fauna. Some of the most beautiful precious orchids are found in a natural habitat. Over 500 varieties of orchids are known to grow and so far 472 have been identified. The altitude of Imphal is 790m above sea level. The maximum and minimum temperature ranges between 32° and 0° Celsius. The average rainfall is 1467.5mm.
Manipur has a rich cottage industry of handloom and handicrafts.
Almost all Manipur women know weaving and with their skill in handloom the womenfolk contribute a considerable part of the socio-economic aspects of the society. Lamdag khullak, khamenchatpa, wangkhei enaphi phi, phanek mapan neiba, phigae, tribal shawls are famous for their designs and beauty. Exotic varieties of handicraft items made of rare wood, bamboo cane, phak (basket mate made of weed), phiruk (made of cane to keep household items, and to use as decoration items), and dolls are good handicraft works worth mentioning. Pottery is another handicraft industry. Manipuri potters make pots without a potter’s wheel.
Imphal can be reached through airways, roadways and railways. The only airport at Imphal is connected with New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Silchar by Air India, Jet airways, and Indigo. By roadway, Imphal is connected with Dimapur and Silchar through national highways 2 and 53 respectively. NH 2 links Imphal with the railhead at Dimapur, Nagaland (215kms) and NH 53 links Imphal with Jiribam (225kms) which neighbours Silchar in Assam.
The people of Manipur include Meiteis, Nagas and Kuki-Chin-Mizo and Meitei pangals (Muslims). There are some Nepalis and some consisting of outsiders from mainland India residing in Manipur. We are living in communal harmony for centuries.
Some enchanting places, sports and dances:
Dzuko Lily:
It is a rare terrestrial lily flower grown in abundance in a beautiful green valley known as Dzuko Valley, the most picturesque place in Senapati District neighbouring Nagaland. In January and February, the valley is enchantingly beautiful with snowfalls.
Loktak Lake:
It is the largest freshwater lake in the NE region. It is situated 48 km away from Imphal. Besides stagnant islands known as Sendra, Thanga, and Karang, there are numerous moving small islands (phum) made of weeds and plants which are actually floating in the Lake where original settlers construct their living houses Boating and water sports are being taken up here by sports authorities.
Yubi lakpi:
It is a traditional game. “Yubi” means Coconut and” lakpi” means snatching. Seven players in a team, in a field of 45×18 meters play the game. The coconut serves as a ball. It has got a similarity with rugby.
Sangai:
The brow antler deer also known as the dancing deer lives in its natural habitat at Keibullamjao National Park. It is declared an endangered species as it is not found in any area of the glove. The population of Sangai is precariously low which is perhaps less than 50.
Sagol kangjei:
It is also called Polo and we take pride in being the origin of this game. The game is played with 7 players on each side mounted on Ponies (a native horse) which are often not more than 4-5 feet in height. Each player is outfitted with a polo stick made of cane having a narrow angled wooden head fixed at the striking end. The ball is 14 inches in circumference and made of bamboo roots.
Maibi dance:
It is a traditional form of dance. There are various forms of this dance system and many of them depict the origin of life, creation of the universe and human evolution on earth. There are both male and female maibis and they are mostly engaged in the traditional worshiping practices. They remain mostly single.
Manipuri Rash Leela:
Manipur is famous for its arts and culture all the world over. Perhaps Rash Leela plays the most important role in making us known the world over. This dance formation mostly signifies the bhakti to Lord Krishna.
Tribal folk dances:
These dances are unique depicting tribal ways of life. Colourful costumes which are decorated with head gears, colourfully designed cloths, chains on the neck and bangles can be seen worn by the dancers. These dances can be seen in tribal festivals celebrated with pomp and grandeur in Lui-ngai-ni (seed sowing festival of Nagas) and Kut (harvesting festival of the Kuki-ChinMizo tribes).
Manipur in modern games:
Our youths are excellent at games. If we consider in terms of population Manipur produces a maximum number of players in Olympic, Asian and Common Wealth games from the country. Our players are exceptionally good in taekwondo, boxing, weight lifting, bodybuilding, archery, cycling, fencing, football and sepaktakrow. Many of our players are scattered all over the country being adopted by many governments, semi-government and private organizations. For years our women’s football team has been dominating other state teams continuously.
Our Boxers both men and women had excelled in various national competitions such as the Asian Games, Common Wealth Games, Olympics & other International tournaments. Weight lifting, mountaineering and cycling events had been tremendously good with excellent achievements, awards and records. We have Dronacharya and Arjuna Awardees in our sporting community. We are proud of them. Khuman Lampak Sports Complex is unique of its kind in the country where all the venue stadiums of modern games are available in a single complex with all modern facilities. Realizing the sports potential of the Manipuris, the Govt. of India recently announced the establishment of a Sports University on our soil.
Dr. Karam Lokendro Singh
President IADVL Manipur State Branch
September 2014