The festive events you enjoy alongside the local people of Manipur complement the state’s rich heritage, tradition, and culture. There are also specific gatherings where you witness the indigenous people celebrating their annual harvest.
We understand how enthusiastic you must be while planning this much-awaited trip to India’s very state of blossoms. Thus, we have listed down the important dates and festivals for your convenience:
- Gaan-Ngai (12th January): The Gaan-Ngai is a cultural fest of the Zeliangrong. It is observed every winter to celebrate the annual harvest. On this day, the local people produce fire by rubbing dry wood and distributing it among households.
- Lui-Ngai-Ni (15th February): The Lui-Ngai-Ni means ‘seed sowing.’ Every year, the Naga tribe commemorates this day to welcome the Spring season.
- Yaosang (14th and 15th March): The Manipuris celebrate Yaosang throughout five days. For the indigenous people, it is their own ‘Festival of Colours,’ the beginning of which is marked by burning a straw hut.
- Cheiraoba (14th April): The people of Manipur often refer to this day as the Lunar New Year festival. It was initially celebrated by the Meitei people, who made preparations for a grand feast.
- Kang (27th June): Kang is one of the most important Hindu festivals, lasting for ten days in July. On this occasion, devotees take out the idol of Lord Jagannath from his temple dressed in a splendid 'Kang' and pull his chariot across the kingdom.
- Janmashtami (16th August): This is an exceptional day for Hindus as it commemorates the birth of Shri Krishna.
- Dussehra (2nd October): On this day, many places host enactments where the idol of the buffalo demon Mahishasura is burned to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
- Ningol Chak-Kouba (24th October): This is a form of the featured festival among the Meitei. Married daughters with their children visit their parents’ homes and enjoy a special meal, which enhances family relationships.
- Kut (1st November): Kut, or ‘Chavang Kut,’ is a popular state-level holiday. This ritual, believed to have begun almost 3000 years ago, was initially initiated by the indigenous Kuki-Chin-Mizo people.
- Christmas (25th December): Mainly, you will see the Christmas celebrations in Manipur on the 24th’s Eve and on the 25th December. While some parts, like Imphal, Kakching, Wangjing, etc., continue celebrating Christmas for over a week.
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2025 is a joyous year for everyone eagerly waiting for holidays to plan getaways. This year, the calendar is filled with festive streaks; if you plan accordingly, you may make the most out of it.