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Festivals of Manipur
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Festivals of Manipur

Experience the vibrant celebrations that showcase Manipur's rich cultural heritage and traditions

Year-round Celebrations
Cultural Experiences

Celebrating Manipur's Cultural Heritage

Manipur's festivals are vibrant expressions of its rich cultural tapestry, reflecting the state's diverse ethnic communities and their unique traditions. Throughout the year, these celebrations bring together music, dance, rituals, and feasts that showcase the spiritual and cultural essence of Manipuri life.

From the state-wide Sangai Festival that promotes tourism to the religious observances of Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year) and the traditional Lai Haraoba, these festivals offer visitors a chance to experience the authentic culture of Manipur. Each celebration has its own significance, rituals, and customs that have been preserved through generations.

Explore the calendar of Manipuri festivals below and plan your visit to coincide with these colorful celebrations for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Major Festivals

Sangai Festival
Autumn

Sangai Festival

November 21-30

Manipur's biggest tourism festival celebrating the state's rich cultural heritage, indigenous sports, cuisines, and handloom & handicrafts.

Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year)
Spring

Cheiraoba (Manipuri New Year)

April (first day of Sajibu month in Manipuri calendar)

The Manipuri New Year celebration marked by family gatherings, special feasts, and hill climbing to seek blessings for the coming year.

Lai Haraoba
Spring

Lai Haraoba

April-May

An ancient ritual festival celebrating the creation of the universe and pleasing the traditional deities (Umang Lai) through dance, music, and rituals.

Shirui Lily Festival
Summer

Shirui Lily Festival

May 15-19

A celebration of the rare Shirui Lily flower that grows only in the Shirui Hills of Ukhrul district, featuring music, cultural shows, and outdoor activities.

Ningol Chakouba
Autumn

Ningol Chakouba

November (second day of Hiyangei month)

A festival celebrating the bond between married women and their parental families, marked by grand feasts and gift exchanges.

Festivals by Season

Lui-Ngai-Ni

Lui-Ngai-Ni

February 14-15

A seed-sowing festival celebrated by the Naga tribes of Manipur, marking the beginning of the agricultural season with cultural performances and community feasts.

Gaan-Ngai

Gaan-Ngai

December-January

A post-harvest festival of the Zeliangrong Naga tribe celebrating the end of the agricultural year with rituals, dances, and community feasts.

Festival Calendar

Plan your visit to Manipur around these cultural celebrations

Q1
January - March

Q2
April - June

Q3
July - September

Q4
October - December

Experience Manipur's Vibrant Festivals

Plan your trip to coincide with one of Manipur's colorful festivals for an unforgettable cultural experience