Meitei people (), also known as the Manipuris (), mostly from the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, have a presence in Maharashtra, particularly in urban centers such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Migration to the state has been influenced by factors such as access to higher education and employment opportunities. In these urban settings, Meitei communities have maintained aspects of their cultural identity, including the observance of traditional Meitei festivals, the use of the Meitei language, and the practice of indigenous art forms. While integrating into the broader socio-cultural landscape of Maharashtra, they continue to preserve elements of their ethnic heritage.
Culture
Calendar
The Annual Calendar for Nawa Marup Pune 2024 was released on January 28, 2024, during the Nawa Marup Annual Convention 2024, held at Coastal Bay Beach Resort, Saldure Beach, Dapoli, Maharashtra.
Cinema
Gun and a God, a documentary film directed by Sonia Nepram, was selected for the Mumbai Women's International Film Festival in 2013. The film, which marked Nepram's directorial debut, was initially released online on Vimeo on March 22, 2013, and later made available on YouTube.
On May 29, 2022, the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) commenced with the screening of the Meitei language documentary film Meiram – The Fireline, produced in Manipur. The 33-minute film documents forest conservation initiatives in the Punsilok region of the Langol Hills in Manipur. It was featured under the 'National Prism' category of the MIFF 2022 official selection.
Clothing
During the Thabal Chongba performance at the Yaoshang festival in Maharashtra, married women (mous) traditionally wore Phanek Mapal naiba paired with Wangkhei phi, while unmarried women (leishabis) typically wore phanek dresses. These traditional garments reflect the cultural attire of the Meitei community, which is an integral part of their customs during the festival.
Cuisine
Manipuri Black Rice Crispies, a type of homemade cracker made from black rice, is a notable food item found in Mundhwa, Pune. It is part of the regional Meitei culinary offerings available in the area.
During Yaoshang, a variety of authentic Meitei snacks and dishes, such as Singju, Bora, Kanghou, Kelichana, Tharoi Thongba, Nga Thongba, and Eronba, were consumed by Meitei people in Pune, including fresh vegetables from Manipur, like Yongchak, Hawaimubee, and Yendem.
During Cheiraoba, indigenous fresh vegetables, such as yongchak, ngari, and maroi, along with traditional Meitei dishes like nga thongba, makokmaru ngouba, uti, paan eronba, singju, heithongba, and kheer, are commonly consumed by the Meitei community in Pune, Maharashtra.
During Ningol Chakouba festival, the male members of the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, prepared a traditional Meitei feast, including dishes such as nga matum thongba, nga atoiba thongba, laphu iromba, singju, ooti, chak-hao kheer, and other customary Meitei delicacies. The meal was prepared specifically for the participating Ningols and their children, reflecting the cultural emphasis on hospitality and familial respect.
Dance and music
On February 1, 2014, a cultural program featuring traditional Meitei performing arts was held at Symbiosis International University, Viman Nagar Campus, Pune, Maharashtra. The event showcased a range of classical and martial art forms integral to Meitei heritage. Performances included Maibi Jagoi, a ritual dance of priestesses; Thougal Jagoi, a devotional group dance; and Dhon Dholok Cholom, a percussive drum performance.
Meitei martial arts demonstrations under the Thang Ta tradition were also presented, including dagger combat, sword and spear fighting, and sword-based choreography. Additional performances included the Stick Dance, Pung Cholom—a dynamic drum dance blending acrobatics and rhythm—and Basanta Ras, a classical devotional dance depicting themes from the Vaishnavite tradition. The program reflected a cross-section of Meitei cultural expressions encompassing ritual, martial, and devotional forms.
In Pune, Thabal Chongba, a traditional Meitei folk dance, was a key feature of the Yaoshang festival, attracting participants of all ages, including children, youth, and senior citizens. The event also included a Tambola game, the distribution of prizes for the winners of the AMAND Step Challenge 2023, and a presentation of self-knitted Athenpot covers to the AMAND office bearers by Oinam Purnimashi Devi.
Festivals
Ningol Chakouba
On November 20, 2022, the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, organized the traditional Meitei festival Ningol Chakouba at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Koregaon Park, Pune, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival, which emphasizes the strengthening of familial bonds between women (ningols) and men (pibas) through a shared traditional meal, was attended by approximately 400 individuals. Participants included members of the Tangkhul, Zeliangrong, Chiru, Khasi, Assamese, and Marathi communities, as well as Manipuri families from Mumbai and Ranjangaon. Guests arrived in their respective traditional attire, reflecting the cultural diversity present alongside Meitei traditional dress.
During the Ningol Chakouba celebration organized by the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, female participants (Ningols) arrived bearing athenpot—traditional offerings consisting of items such as kom kwa, kabok, sitamishri, laloo, and fruits—carried on their heads using sengas, in accordance with longstanding Meitei customs marking the beginning of auspicious occasions. Families from the Mumbai Manipuri Association (MMA) also participated, bringing athenpot for their AMAND counterparts.
Following a communal feast, male members (pibas) of AMAND presented gifts to all attendees, including three visiting mothers, 105 married women (mous), and 110 unmarried women (leisabis). After receiving the gifts, the Ningols offered traditional blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being. The event also featured cultural and recreational activities such as live Meitei music performances, a tambola game, a selfie contest, and Thabal Chongba, a traditional Meitei folk dance.
On November 7, 2021, the organization Nawa Marup, Pune, conducted the Ningol Chakouba festival at the Club House of Marvel Zephyr in Kharadi, Pune. The event was attended by invited guests from various localities in Pune, including participants from inter-community families. Among the attendees were women of Manipuri origin married into other communities such as Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Assamese, reflecting the cultural integration and diversity within the diaspora community.
On November 10, 2019, the Ningol Chakouba festival was held at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Koregaon Park, Pune, with the objective of promoting unity, harmony, and goodwill among the Manipuri community. The event was attended by over 350 individuals, including approximately 90 married women (referred to as mous), 60 unmarried women (leisabis), and other community members. Attendees included Manipuri families from Pune as well as those from nearby cities such as Mumbai and Kolhapur, reflecting the wider participation of the Manipuri diaspora in the region.
On November 18, 2018, the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, a registered non-profit and non-governmental community organization established by working and retired professionals from Manipur residing in and around Pune, organized the traditional festival Ningol Chakouba. The event was held at the Sonawane Sainik Institute in Wanorie, Pune, with the objective of promoting unity, harmony, and goodwill between brothers and sisters within the Manipuri community.
The program was attended by over 350 individuals, including approximately 100 married women, 80 unmarried women, 75 children, and 100 men, representing various ethnic communities of Manipur living in Pune and neighboring areas. Families from other cities, including Mumbai, also participated. In accordance with tradition, the Ningols arrived in traditional Manipuri attire, carrying athenpot—ceremonial gift baskets presented to their brothers as part of the customary observance.
Yaoshang
On March 25, 2023, the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND) organized the Yaoshang festival at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Koregaon Park, Pune. The event was held to observe and promote the cultural traditions of the Meitei community.
Sajibu Cheiraoba
On April 26, 2019, the AMAND Ladies' Club, the women's wing of the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND) Pune, organized the Sajibu Cheiraoba-2019 celebration on April 21 at the NCL Community Centre, Pashan Road, Pune. The event aimed to promote and preserve the socio-cultural traditions of Manipur. Around 250 attendees from Pune and Mumbai participated.
The event featured the presentation of Khudol pots (gifts) to brothers by the Ladies' Club members as part of the tradition. It also included entertainment activities such as chafu thugaibi, chandon thinba without mirror, and bumper housie. Stalls were set up offering indigenous fresh vegetables like yongchak, ngari, and maroi, along with traditional clothing. Additionally, the winners of the 2018 Ningol Chakouba Selfie Contest were recognized, and various lucky draws were held.
On April 10, 2022, the AMAND Ladies' Club (ALC), a women's wing of the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND) Pune, organized the traditional festival Shajibu Cheiraoba 2022 at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Koregaon Park, Pune. The event aimed to preserve and promote the sociocultural heritage of Manipur while fostering unity and coexistence among the Meitei diaspora in Pune.
The celebration, marking the transition from the old year to the new year, was attended by around 200 individuals from various Manipuri families and communities in Pune, as well as from Mumbai, Talegaon, and Ranjangaon. Participants, including women, men, and children, wore traditional Meitei attire, reflecting the cultural significance of the event.
Nupi Lal commemoration
On December 15, 2024, AMAND Pune organized the 85th Nupi Lal Memorial Function at the MCCIA Auditorium in Hadapsar, Pune. The event commemorated the women of Manipur who participated in the Nupi Lal (Women’s War) against British colonial authorities, protesting against repressive and discriminatory policies.
On December 14, 2022, the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, observed the 83rd Nupi Lan Memorial Day. The commemoration paid tribute to the women of Manipur who led the Nupi Lan (Women's War) against British colonial authorities in resistance to discriminatory and exploitative policies. Members of AMAND, along with their families, participated in the event to honor the historical significance and legacy of the movement.
On December 12, 2021, the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, observed the 82nd Nupi Lan Memorial Function. The event paid tribute to the women of Manipur who led a resistance movement against British colonial policies perceived as discriminatory and unjust.
Patriots' Day observation On August 13, 2021, the Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND) Pune observed the 130th Patriots' Day. The event took place at the residence of the AMAND president in Pune, with floral tributes paid to the martyrs, following COVID-19 safety protocols. The ceremony was attended virtually by participants from across the country via Zoom.
The event began with a patriotic Manipuri group song. During his welcome speech, AMAND President Er Naorem Giridhar Singh provided a brief historical overview of the geopolitical situation in the 19th century, which led to the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, where the British Indian Empire defeated the Kingdom of Manipur.
Games and sports