Things to do in Manipur

The Ima Keithel Women’s Market is probably the only market in the world managed and run by the women. The term ‘Ima’ in local language means mother, thus making it a significant example of women empowerment. This 500 years old market place has been an important source of grassroots economy of the place. During 1533 A.D, a labor law called ‘Lallup-Kaba’ forced all the men of the Meitei community to join the military services. As a result women were forced to look up and support their families. The Meitei women stated working in the fields, and selling their ware in improvised markets. These markets were later on collectively referred to as the Ima Market.
The market has heavily influenced the community, culture and socio-political perspective of the nearby region. During the colonial period, the atrocities of the British government forced the women hosting shops in the vicinity to come together and hold a protest. The given protest was named as Nupi Lan movement. This movement was quite successful in raising the feeling of nationalism among the state of Manipur.

The Ima Market is divided in two zones. In one part, women sell items like groceries and vegetables, whereas on the other part of the market handicrafts, toys, textile and local made bamboo products are sold. The women in the market sit in rows, wearing the traditional Manipuri attire. Tourists can witness the vibrant culture of Manipur and observe how this unique women’s market operates like a well-oiled machine.

Shopping at the Ima Market is a must for every tourist. The sellers sell different items like handicrafts, textiles as well as perishable items like vegetables and fruits. These good are mostly locally sourced and sold at a reasonable rate. However, bargaining is welcomed by the sellers, so tourists can roll up their selves and dive into a price bargain while buying the products.

The Kangla fort has been the official residence of the royal family till late 19th century. However, during the reign of the Ningthouja dynasty, the palace was not only an important political hotspot but also had immense religious significance in the lives of the royals as well as the locals. The sacred ponds, temples and others structures were regularly worshipped by the royals for good fortune.
The fort met its ultimate downfall in the end of Anglo-Manipur War in 1891. After the war, the British forces publically executed the crown prince and other important members of the royal family. Since then, the fort has been used by the security forces as a base. After independence, the fort has been used by the Assam Riffles as a base till 2004.
Besides this, the massive earthquake in the late 19th century also destroyed the major portions of the citadel. The ruins on the western part of the Imphal River are the only remains of the old fort.

Although the major portions of the fort have suffered major decays due to several reasons, the remaining parts of the fort on the western part of the Imphal River can be visitied by the tourists. The Ruins of the Citadel, Uttra or the old coronation hall, several temples dedicated to the presiding deity of the Ningthouja clan can be visited by the tourists.

One can visit the important landmarks within the vicinity of the fort. The temples dedicated to lord Krishna and his consort, Radha, is one of the few surviving temples in the area belonging to the pre independence era. Also, the ruins of the temples dedicated to the local goddess Nunggoibi, goddess of war, and Lord Koubru, god of good harvest and rainfall, can be visited. Besides that, the ancient coronation hall and the royal crematorium are some of the places to visit in the complex.

The Lord Sanamahi is one of the oldest deities of the Meitei community of Manipur. The ‘Lainingthou Sanamahi’ is one of the oldest religions of South East Asia, and is still followed by the people of Manipur, Tripura and Assam. The Lord Sanamahi is one of the main deities of the religion and is still worshipped in the temple today. He is similar to the ‘Sun-god’ in the Hinduism and is one of the most important deities of the given religion.
The Lord Sanamahi Temple was built in 1891 by King Kulachandra, the last of the sovereign rulers of Manipur. The temple structure is built on an octagonal base. The arches of the temple are inclined at 45 degrees, giving it a unique look. The external wall of the temple is painted in yellow and white colors. It is the only temple dedicated to the Animism (a belief where objects, creatures and places have a special spiritual significance) tradition of Manipur.

The Manipur Zoological Garden is one of the beautiful locations in Imphal. The zoological garden, fondly referred as the Jewel Box of Manipur, is the home to more than 400 species of common and rare species animals and birds. According to the Central Zoo Authority, the Manipur Zoological Garden is a medium zoo spreading over the area of 8 hectares.
In the zoological park, the captive breeding of Sangai deer is undertaken in a planned manner. The population of the Sangai or Brow Antlered Deer was considered as extinct in 1950. However, a small herd of the deer was found in ‘phumdis’, a group of floating island in the Loktak Lake of Manipur. These animals were then taken under the government wing and special measures have been taken to protect them. Captive breeding in the Manipur Zoological Park is one such initiative. The zoo authorities with the help of the State Government have been able to preserve species of endangered birds and animals.

The Park has been known to officially conduct captive breeding of Sangai, an endangered deer and the state animal of Manipur. Animal lovers can see other rare species of bird called Nongin. Also, like low Loris, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Bear, Gibbon, Flying Squirrel and Python are some of the animals can be seen here. The green bushes and trees in the park make it a stunning venue for nature lovers. Nature and wildlife photographers can have a good time photographing the rare avifauna and fauna within the vicinity of the zoo.

The Zoological Park is a popular picnic spot among the locals. The trip to Manipur Zoological Park is popular among kids and grownups alike. While here, tourists must visit the Sangai deer, rare Mrs. Humes Pheasant or Nongin birds, and the Hoolock Gibbons. Photography enthusiasts can take stunning pictures of the animals in their habitat.

The beautiful Shree Govindajeee temple is one of the largest Vaishnav temples in the Imphal area. Located near the Kangla Fort, this temple was originally built in 1846 by Maharaja Nara Singh. A severe earthquake in 1868 caused a huge damage to the structure of the temple. Later on, Maharaja Chandrakriti rebuilt the temple. The temple has three chambers, dedicated to different gods. The central chamber is dedicated to the Govindaji, one of the many forms of Lord Krishna, and Radha. In one of the chambers, deities of Balabhadra and Krishna are placed, while in the other chamber Lord Jagannath with his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra reside.
The temple has a special significant in the lives of the people in the area. The images of Shree Gobindajee and Radha, as well as Jagannath and his siblings, were carved out of special wood. However, the image of Balaram and Krishna are made from Plaster of Paris. On special days, the deities are adorned with jewels and crown.

Shree Hanuman Thakur Temple is an important shrine for the people of Imphal. The temple was built on the banks of the Imphal River near the groves of Mongba Hanba. This 18th century temple was commissioned by then king Garib Niwaj. According to Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle of Manipur, the deity of Hanuman was carved out from stone. The image of the lord is seen wearing a dhoti similar to a Hindu priest and adorning a Rudraksh mala. A mace (gada) is placed in the right hand of the idol.
This is the only temple built by the King Garib Niwaj, and was very important to the people of the region. The architecture of the temple resembles the Ekchala (hut style) architecture typical to Bengal. The inner sanctum and the nearby walls are constructed in a rectangular shape, rising up to the roof. On the eastern and western wall have unique windows in triangular shape with nine slits in it. Also, the roof of the temple is designed in a dome shape.