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Manipur is the land of rich valleys surrounded by beautiful hills and lakes, a land of gentle people full of laughter and joy. Many legends tell us the origin of Manipur. One of the legends is that Krishna requested Shiva to keep a watch while he danced the Ras with Radha and Gopis. Parvati on seeing Shiva protecting a particular spot was curious to see what Shiva was protecting. On her insistence, Shiva permitted her to see the Ras. She was so enamored by Krishna’s dance that she decided to perform the Ras with Shiva. Shiva searched for a place high and low for a beautiful and a secluded place for dancing the Ras with Parvati. He saw Manipur surrounded by mountains, its beautiful valleys covered by a sheet of water. With his trident, he stuck the mountain ranges making a path for the water to flow out. The valley of Manipur emerged and Shiva and Parvati danced on it.
Manipur means the 'land of gems'. This north-eastern state was described as the land of gold or ‘Suvarnabhu’. Manipur was a princely state under the British rule in 1891. A democratic form of government with Maharaja as the executive head was established in 1947, under the manipur Constitution act. This ruling family gave them a long peaceful era in which they developed their arts and crafts undisturbed. The territory became a full-fledged state with the integration on 21st January 1972. The state, was a single district territory with 10 sub- divisions, was recognized in 1969. The state now consists of six districts with district Head Quarters at Imphal, Ukhrul, Tamenlong, Senapati, Chandel and Churachandpur.
Climate
The state of Manipur experiences a maximum temperature of 32 degree celsius and a minimum temperature as low as 0 degree celsius. The annual rainfall here is 1467.5 mm and the rainy season is from May to October. The winter stretches from November to March.
Flora & Fauna
Blessed with an amazing variety of flora & fauna, 67% of the geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the altitude of the hill ranges, the forests range from tropical to sub-alpine. The wet forests, the temperate forests and the pine forests together sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life.Orchids in Manipur, abound in their natural habitat growing in soil or on trees and shrubs.
48 kms from Imphal is Loktak-Lake & Sendra Island. This is a saucer shaped fresh water lake that attracts many species of birds. Part of it forms a rare ecosystem. This huge and beautiful stretch of water is like a miniature inland sea. The islands of Loktak are unique as they 'float' and comprise of marsh & grass and root of solid earth. Situated on the fringes of the Loktak Lake is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Habitat of the endangered dancing deer, the brow-antlered-deer of Manipur, it is the only floating National Park of the World. The Hoolock Gibbon, the Slow Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. form a part of the rich natural heritage of Manipur.
Faith & Culture
The people & tribes of Manipur include Meiteis, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups and other colourful communities, which have lived in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous-games and martial-arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are infested with the mystique of nature. In the field of art and culture, the state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. Ras-Leela songs and dances depict the Leelas (Sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express their yearning for communion with the Lord.
Handicrafts
It is said that goddess "Panthoibi" drew her inspiration for weaving, from a spider making cobwebs in a corner. While almost every household in Manipur owns a loom-women folk alone are weavers. Intricate designs are woven on sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. The handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in Manipur, with the finished items often being exported. Manipur-Pottery is made without a potter's wheel. It is a rare experience to witness the potters of Andro, Thongjao and Nungbi, deftly moulding an unbelievable range of earthenware. Beautiful pieces of art made out of cane and bamboo form an important part of handicrafts. Tourists can take home a Lifan, Phak (weed mats), Phiruk, Manipuri Dolls & host of other beautiful carvings from rare and exotic varieties of Timber.
Note: Customized tour package to this state could be made to suit your travel time and requirement. |
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