Celebrating the New Harvest in Manipur

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Distance from Guwahati:  276 kilometres

They are one of India’s best kept secrets. Of wild beauty, fascinating traditions, and a rich cultural tapestry, the Northeastern states of India are destinations worth exploring. Among the many stunning places that the northeast offers is the state of Manipur with its verdant hills, thick wooded forests and a teeming bio-diversity. It’s modern and friendly residents are known for their love of traditions and each year brings with it a busy cultural calendar. Among the many unique fairs, festivals and musical events that keep the locals together and the Manipuri Diaspora eager to return home is the festival of Chumpha, celebrated each year for a week in December.

Reap What You Sow

Chumpha is essentially a harvest festival like Baisakhi in Punjab and celebrated to thank the gods for a good crop. Of special importance to the Tanghkul Nagas of Manipur, it is usually celebrated for a week after the harvest and comprises not just traditional prayers and feasts but also a variety of interesting cultural programmes that displays the admirable culture of the state. The many celebrations and events bring out the special contribution of Manipuri women not just during the harvest season but all year round. Folk songs, dances and other cultural gatherings mark the festival, which concludes at the end of the week with a special procession through the villages in rural Manipur.

While Chumpha does present itself as an excellent opportunity to witness the vibrant culture of this state, Manipur is a delight for any tourist the year round. Not just the capital Imphal which is rapidly developing into a buzzing metropolis, but the state’s wealth of natural resources and beauty call out to every discerning traveler. While in Imphal, travel to the Kangla Fort, the erstwhile home of Manipur’s ruling dynasty to get a taste of history. Also visit the Loktak Lake, a stunning water body so huge you are unlikely to see its other end. It is an interesting experience for tourists who can spend hours here just observing the local fishermen as they go about their daily business. Interesting aspects of the lake are its floating islands made of weed. Other places of interest in and around Imphal include the War Cemetery, Kaina Hill, and the Shri Govindji Temple.

There are several other places of interest beyond the capital worth visiting, so plan your trip to include the many attractions of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Thoubal. The Kachouphung Lake and Khayang Peak, the Nillai tea estate and Dilly Falls are all worth a visit in Ukhrul. Tamenglong offers the beauty of the Buning Meadow and Thoubal the serenity of rippling lakes. Even today, most of these places remain off the regular tourist map.

So plan a quick, relaxing vacation to the beautiful state of Manipur and don’t forget to book your hotels and flights!