Located amidst the mountains is the state of Manipur, one of the Seven Sister States of India. The state is distinctive from the other states in many ways and is famous for its costumes, arts, dance and music. Rich in its natural beauty, the state has got amazing lakes, beautiful waterfalls and lush green forests. The weather here is very pleasant making it a soothing place for travellers to refreshManipur, like all other states, celebrates vibrant festivals that bring people together to celebrate each festival equally. Here are the top 7 festivals of Manipur widely celebrated.

Cliff in Manipur — Image source: Unsplash

Top 7 Festivals of Manipur

1. Manipur Sangai Festival

Manipur Sangai Festival conceived once in a year in November to endorse tourism and to narrate the cultural heterogeneousness of Manipur, Manipur is the venue. It consists of many activities like cultural event juggling together traditional games, exhibitions and enthusiasm packed adventure sports. The festival intends to create the environment that places Manipur’s scenic views, handicrafts, foods, and traditions at the center of focus.

Key attractions

Kabui Naga Dance, Bamboo Dance and various sports like Thang-Ta, Mukna Kangjei & special fish curries.

2. Ningol Chakouba

Ningol Chakouba is a tribe friendly festival observed to pay tribute to and increase the closeness between brothers and sisters of Manipur. In addition to falling in love with them, brothers and other family the sisters should visit and enjoy this as they are given all the hospitality like food, drinks, and the love family members could give. With the help of the rower, it celebrates heroically accomplished victory over Indian army in 1765 by Maharaja Chandrakirti. The celebration involving boats with artistic lines and struggle in the competitions, gathers Manipur locals and visitors from far and near from around the world and exhibits the sea-faring culture and the serenity of the community.

Key attractions

Home-cooked food and special delicacies like Pan Thongba, Iromba & Champhut

3. Chumpa Festival

Celebrated a week-long by the tribes of Tanghul Naga, Chumpa festival is one of the most popular festivals to be celebrated in the state of Manipur. This festival is celebrated to show the joy inside people at the time of harvesting the crop.

Key attractions

Music, dance and rituals done by the women from the tribe.

4. Gang Ngai

Gang Ngai is a festival celebrated by the tribes of Kabui Nagas. This festival is celebrated to cherish the customs and traditions of the tribe and to honour the tribe’s ancestors. The festival is celebrated for five consecutive days by singing, dancing, grand feast and other programmes or games among the tribal people.

Key attractions

Dance, music and the colourful attire worn by the tribe.

Festive ready woman — Image Source: Unsplash

5. Lui Ngai Ni

Lui Ngai Ni is a festival celebrated at the time of sowing seeds by the tribes of Manipur. It is a way of praying to the gods to be in favour of farming. Celebrated with fun and enthusiasm, the festival is celebrated by the Naga tribes in three different languages all meaning the same.

Key attractions

Folklore dances by the local

6. Kut Festival

Celebrated by the Kuki Chin Mizo tribe of Manipur in the month of November, Kut Festival celebrates the ties between humans, peace and harming among the community. Initially celebrated as a tradition later evolved into a huge festival. The tribal people offer various objects to thank the god by singing, dancing and having a friendly competition among them.

Key attractions

Beauty pageant contest organised by the tribes during the festival

7. Heirku Hindongba

Celebrated in the month of September (on the 11th day of Langbal month) is the Heirku Hindongba. The main event of this festival is the boat race which is held on the Bijoy Govinda Canal in Manipur. This festival brings joy and zeal among everyone and especially the youth who participate in the boat race with enthusiastic team spirits.

Travel to the northeastern states of India to discover the unknown. Make your vacation to Manipur come true and celebrate the festivals of the culture with Pickyourtrail. Choose from different packages available on Pickyourtrail and unwrap the world one place at a time.