The people of Manipur fall into two categories; the Bishnupriyas, who are Indo-Aryans, and the Meites, who are said to have Mongolian origins. The Bishnupriyas are Hindu Vishnawas and worship Lord Vishnu (Bishnu).During religious festivals, they sing and dance in praise of Radha Krishna. The Meitis has a rich cultural heritage, including the famous Manipur dance. The Meiti language is the official state language; however, the Bishnupriyas have a distinct language with Bengali-Assamese influence. The Meitis traditionally have had an antagonistic relationship with the tribal Zomi people in the state.
Imphal is a good place to try out traditional Manipuri food. The everyday chicken curry, Yen Thongba, made from country fowl, fresh homegrown herbs like Awa Phadigom, potatoes, and spices, is a palate pleaser. For vegetarians, there is the Chamthong, seasonal vegetables cooked in a broth with ginger onions and spices, served with rice. Ooti Thongba, a dish made from lentils and green peas, is much loved by Manipuris.
The most popular tourist spot, and with good reason, is the marvelous Loktak lake. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in the country. The characteristic circular vegetation growth in the lake makes it a truly unique sight. The lake is an important source of water in Imphal and the surrounding villages, contributing fresh water and water for irrigation.
Keibul Lamjao National Park, with a 40 sq. km area, is formed over the Loktak lake. It is the only natural floating park globally and is home to the endangered Eld’s deer, a unique species with bow-shaped antlers. You can also see wild boars, flying foxes, and sambar deer. There is plenty of fish that you can see at close quarters, including the Channa Striata, Carp, and Pool Barb.
Shopping enthusiasts will love a morning at the Ima Keithel Women's Market, where you get everything Manipuri. It is a five-hundred-year-old market, run and managed by the enterprising women of Manipur. The market shops are run traditionally only by married women. It has a supportive credit system where women can borrow money to buy goods for their shops and return the loan later. The market is not just a place to buy Manipuri handicrafts, clothes, woven mats and baskets, fresh produce, and toys; it is a peek into how a community-based market can help support a grassroots state economy.
