 Manipur An
alluring atmosphere of mystery, a land
wrapped in velvety silence, is what
instantly strikes a visitor to Manipur,
which literally means 'the land of jewels'.
Described by Lord Irwin as the 'Switzerland
of India', Manipur boasts of an exotic
landscape with gently undulating hills,
emerald green valleys, blue lakes and
dense forests .Manipur is best represented
by the classical Manipuri style of dance.
It is the sheer tranquility enveloping
it, interrupted only by a soft breeze,
that sets it apart from the 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 the Kukis
and Nagas of the hills, speak different
Tibeto - Burmese dialects. Early Manipuris
were followers of Hinduism, and believed
in the hierarchy of the Gods. The advent
of Christianity resulted in the conversion
of the people 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.
Important festivals of Manipur are the
Dol Yatra (Holi) in March, Rath Yatra
(Car festival) in June-July and Durga
Puja in September-October. Manipuri
Hindus celebrate New Year Day, in the
second week of April. The handlooms
and handicrafts of Manipur are renowned
all over the country. Manipur has a
lot to offer to tourism enthusiasts.
Imphal, the beautiful capital 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, leaves a lasting
impression on the mind of the visitor.
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