North East State

Manipur, described as the Jewel of India lies south of Nagaland and north of Mizoram. It shares the international boundary with Myanmar on the eastern & southers side. Assam is its neighbour on the west. Though lying at the eastern extremity of India, Manipur is famous all over India thanks to its classical dance form, the Manipuri. The Manipuri dance is marked by graceful and restrained movements and delicate hand gestures.

Manipur is a mosaic of traditions and cultural patterns, best represented by its dance forms. The Lai-Haraoba, a traditional stylised dance is a ritual dance appeasing gods and goddesses. The Lai-Haraoba festival is generally celebrated between April and May, after the harvest season. The Raas songs and dances express the Leelas (sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan, and depict their yearning for communion with the Lord. The tribal dances of Manipur are the expression of love, creativity and aestheticism of the tribal people of the state. Manipuris were earlier recognised as skilful warriors and still practice the arts of wrestling, sword fighting and martial arts. Sogol Kangjei (Manipuri Polo) is the principal sport of the state. Indeed, Polo is believed to have originated here. Muknakangjei (Wrestling Hockey) is also a very popular game in Manipur. The game is part of a ceremonial function and enjoyed due patronage in the olden days. Another popular game known as Yubi-Lakpi (Manipuri Rugby) is played, using a greased coconut.

THE PEOPLE OF MANIPUR
The people of Manipur include Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Meitei Pangal and other colourful communities which have lived together in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths & legends, dances, indigenous games and martial arts, exotic handlooms & handicrafts are infested with the mystique of nature. The wonders has no end in Manipur.