One of the northeastern states of the country while being a part of 7 sisters is Manipur the “land of gems.” The capital of Manipur is Imphal, which is also a cultural capital of the state.
The terrain and topography of the state are divided into only two parts, the hills and the valley. The state is almost covered with hills, approximately leaving just one-tenth part which is other terrain forms. Due to the vast cover of forests, the abundance in the flora and fauna is indescribable and the state is called the ‘flower of lofty heights’, ‘a jewel of India’ and ‘Switzerland of the East.
India’s largest bamboo producing state, it shares a significant amount of share in the country’s bamboo output and thus economy also. Handlooms, one of the most important cottage industries, ranks on no. 5 on the number of looms in the region.
Sports infrastructure in the state is elaborately designed and has a long history of representation. Sagol Kangjei, Thang Ta & Sarit Sarak, Khong Kangjei, Yubi Lakpi, Mukna, Hiyang Tannaba and Kang are some of the games played in the region. Some eminent athletes of the region are MC Mary Kom, N. Kunjarani Devi, Mirabai Chanu, and Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu, Tingonleima Chanu, Jackson Singh Thounaojam, Givson Singh Moirangthem and many more upcoming ones. The environment in the state is so evolved, in terms of sports infrastructure that the natural hindrances have still not been a threat to the sector.
Manipuri and English, are spoken locally but the latter is the official language. Manipur celebrates all festivals with great fervour and excitement while using the folklores, folk dance styles, music, local art and everything in support of their traditional and cultural values.
The tribes of the state are Thadou, Mao, Tangkhul, Gangte and many more. One of the world-famous specialities of the region is Loktak Lake, which is called a floating lake.The religious composition of the state is Hindu 41.39%, Muslim 8.40%, Christian 41.29%, Sikh 0.05%, Buddhist 0.25%, Jain 0.06%, Others 8.57% according to the census of 2011.
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Manipur is India's 'Gateway to the East' through Moreh town. The state is the only possible land route of trade between the nation and Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries. The capital city of Imphal was witness to important battles of history and ancient India.
Two-thirds of the population are Meitei, and their women hold special and high status in the society. The rest of the population is the hilly tribal people of Nagas and the Kukis.
Some special festivals are Dol Yatra, New Year Day, Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Ningol Chakouba. All these are celebrated with great vibrancy and excitement, among the value systems of ancestral history and culture.
Traditional Dance forms of Manipur are Manipuri, Raas Leela, Pung Cholom or Drum Dance, Luivat Pheizak, Shim Lam Dance, Thang ta Dance, and many more. The musical culture of the state is rich and has varieties of songs and music styles like Dhob and Napi Pala.
Eromba, Chamthong or Kangshoi, Morok Metpa, Kang-nhou or Kaang-hou, Sana Thongba, A-nganba are some delicious savouries in the state.
Women of the state wear Inaphi, which is a cloth to wrap around the upper body, like a shawl. Phanek is a wrap-around skirt. Other important attires are Lai Phi, Chin Phi and Mayek Naibi. While the men wear white kurta and dhoti.
The art form of the state can be seen in the classical dance form which is done with expressions and gestures to express the literal meaning of the culture and tradition. With all this, Manipur can be seen as a paradise on Earth.
Wildlife Sanctuary are,
- The Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary
- Dzukou Valley
- Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary
- Keilam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shiroy Community Forest
- Zeilad Lake Sanctuary
Pilgrimage centres for the state are,
- Iskcon Temple
- Shree Shree Govindajee Temple
- Shri Hanuman Thakur Temple
- Kaina Hillock
- Leimapokpam Keirungba Temple
- Babupara Mosque
- Imphal Central Church.
Monuments and tourist visiting options are,
- Manipur State Museum
- War Cemeteries
- Kangla Fort
- Biological Museum
- Saheed Minar
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Handloom industry
Manipur has the best variety of handicrafts units with the highest variety of art and craft people comprising skilled and semi-skilled artisans of the entire northeast. Handlooms are the largest manufacturer in Manipur and therefore the state ranks among the highest 5 in terms of the number of looms in the country.
Food Processing
The state is the Nodal Agency for Food processing according to Govt. of India. Several varieties of Projects/Schemes are incorporated to help and support the sector. Favoured by agro-climatic conditions, Manipur produces a large type of fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, etc. The following sector processes and has potential for exports too.
Khadi and Village Industries
Utilising the native talent, skills and environmental resources appropriately generates value, employment and quality support to the type of clothes one wears.
Bamboo Processing
The abundant, environment-friendly and sustainable BAMBOO available in the northeast region. The state has not yet fully exploited the produce and thus possess huge opportunities. Technological improvements are an emerging factor and thus have a scope of growth. With huge prospects in the further processing sector too.
Industrial sector
Although the industrial sector of this region is not developed much, yet it contributes to the economy of this place. The government of the state is also making efforts to develop the industrial sector of the region.
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Agriculture
The state has terrains divided as of valley and hills, with the best environmental and climatic conditions. The valleys of the state are known as the 'Rice Bowl' of the State.
Tourist Industry
The whole North-Eastern region is quite visible with the entry. As the entry point and gateway, the state has natural wonders, which adds to the already existing beauty to make it serene and worth seeing.
Handicraft Industry
Handicrafts business is a very important ancient business within the State. The distinctive identity amongst the varied crafts of the country possesses great amounts of demands of Handicraft products from abroad too.
Import Export trade
The opening of the Border Trade along with Myanmar and Manipur has given opportunities of selling and buying from the outer regions. This sector is an economic bridge between industrially developed India, and directly affects the foreign reserves of the nation.
Hydro-electric power plants
Manipur is richly endowed with considerable hydropower potential. The Loktak Hydroelectric Project is the main source of power in the region. The government sees hydropower, a great opportunity to uplift the economy of the region. The potential growth of the sector also lures many investments thus generating employment and business.
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