Mixed Bag

The state of Manipur is by far one of most culturally advanced state of India. The richness of its culture and tradition had mesmerized quite a few of the prominent personalities of the world. The icing on the cake is its natural splendor because in Manipur mother nature is at her pristine best. The world famous game of Polo owes its birth to Manipur. Finally it is the Raas Lila of the state which takes the honors.

Pilgrimage

For the die-hard patriot to the devout devotee, Manipur has something for both to cherish for the rest of their lives. The War Cemetery at Imphal in the memory of those gallant British and Indian soldiers who died during the Second World War, Shaheed Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park erected in the memory of Meitei and tribal martyrs hanged by the British, places like Moirang and Khongjom and the famous Shri Govindajee temple bears testimony to this fact.

Eco/Adventure

Manipur is known for its indigenous sporting tradition. The state gives utmost importance to the development of local sports including martial arts.

Sagol Kangjei (Polo)- Sagol Kangjei or Manipuri Polo is the original Polo which evolved in the 1300s. The game used to be played with seven players on each side. The polo stick was made of cane and the 14 inch ball made of bamboo root. Players gallop after the ball in their ponies and strike it into the goal. This game was refined further by the British who learned it in the 19th Century and named it as 'Polo'.

Khong Kangjei (Manipuri Hockey)- Manipuri hockey just like Manipuri Polo is played with seven players on each side. The hockey stick in this game is actually a bamboo stick of about four feet in length. The rules are quite different from what we get to see in a modern game of hockey. In place of a goal post there is a goal line which has to be crossed fully to score a goal.

Mukna (Manipuri wrestling)- Mukna is played between two male wrestlers. The one with superior strength and skill wins the game. This game is usually played during the last part of the Lai Haraoba Festival.

Yubi-Lakpi (Manipuri style rugby)- Yubi means coconut and Lakpi means snatching. So this is Manipuri style rugby which is inspired from the celestial snatching of the pot of nectar in the epic Samundra Manthan. There are seven players on each side.

Hiyang Tannaba (Boat race)- This famous boat race is organized in November at a place known as Thangapat. The boats are called "Hiyang Hiren" which is worshipped by the Meiteis with religious rites to ward off evil omens. Rowers in traditional dress and headgears participate in the race.

Quick Ones

For those who are on a short trip to Manipur can move around the capital town of Imphal to get a glimpse of: -

• Shri Govindajee temple
• Second World War Cemetery
• Shaheed Minar
• Manipur State Museum/Zoological Park
• Khonghampat Orchidarium
• Loktak Lake