Heibi, scientifically known as Vangueria Spinosa, is a treasured wild fruit in Manipur. Once abundant in the city, this fruit-bearing tree has become a rare sight, pushing enthusiasts to explore hills and villages to find it in local markets. The leaves of the heibi plant lend a unique touch to our singju salad or can be cooked to perfection. Despite its rarity, the heibi fruit continues to captivate with its versatile uses. To ripen the fruit, we fashion it into a charming garland using bamboo wreaths, letting it bask in the sun for days until it reaches a delectable state fit for consumption. This fruit holds a rich history, traced back to the times of our grandmothers and grand aunts, who not only relished it as a winter treat but also harnessed its nourishing properties. Their age-old wisdom included using heibi as a winter application to moisturize their hands and legs, leaving a legacy of beauty and tradition.

"Diving into Manipur's culinary nostalgia at Bora Khanghou Yonbam, a nostalgic oasis of flavors and memories. Join me for a quick trip down memory lane, where tea, fritters, and singju brought our community together. Let's savor the essence of these local gems. 🍵🌟 As kids, we witnessed the charm of this small local cafe—where freshness and affordability blended seamlessly. Today, the landscape has changed with the rise of cafes and restaurants offering outside food. Yet, the essence of Manipuri-style small local cafes remains a treasure we wish to preserve. In every sip of tea and every bite of those familiar snacks, let's taste the rich history and camaraderie that once thrived in these simple yet extraordinary spaces.

Embracing the winter chill in Manipur wouldn't be complete without the comforting glow of our Meiphu—a traditional heater, a beacon of warmth crafted from perforated sheet metal and fueled by burning charcoal. Its red-hot radiance transforms our homes into sanctuaries of coziness. The Meiphu, beyond its functional role, becomes a multi-generational hearth. As it crackles with heat, it conjures the spirit of childhood days, where the air was filled with the aroma of roasting peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. In this nostalgic cocoon, stories and folk tales come alive, passed down through the ages by our parents and grandparents. The Meiphu isn't just a heater; it's a keeper of traditions, a vessel for shared laughter, and a timeless wellspring of familial warmth. 🔥❄️ #MeiphuMagic #WinterTraditions #GenerationalWarmth"#meiphu #manipur

Ima(Mother) keithel(market)or Nupi(Women)keithel is one of the largest women market of the world which is only managed by women.Seeing the Market,one cant ignored that Manipuri women have high entrepreneurship skills and 80% of women are employed and is one of the highest in India. Around 3000 stalls are being managed by women.No doubt the sales and marketing skills of all the women in the market are very fascinated and try to sell the products as fast as possible by making the consumers happy at the end of the day deriving a win-win situation on both the sides. Ima market is also a high tourist spot which is situated in the heart of the Imphal Valley attracting many of people who comes to visit Imphal.

Whenever I visit Dilli haat,I always stopped by at this corner just to listen to the melodious music played by my old fren with his musical instrument,he plays different tunes,sounds of music ranging from sad,melancholy to very romantic songs at times.His face reacts to the music he plays,he closes his eyes deeply whenever he plays very emotional and sad ones ,his face becomes lighter whenever he plays a light music.He is always being crowded with kids because every kids wants to own the instrument he sells or otherwise he is always playing with his instrument entertaining all the visitors,and it seems nobody wants to disturb his rythym and concentration,but i just ask before taking this snap"Please smile",he nodded and gave a quick smile for my camera.His smile warms the cold wintry evening.Thanks so much..... I wish you all the happiness...

After so many years I got to see Manipuri dance when i went for my nephew's foundation day of his school in Manipur.I felt so lucky to be a part of that function because it is a rare sight for me to catch the Manipuri performances after coming out of Manipur.And with so much of hectic schedule I cant attend Manipuri dance when it is perfomed in many auditoriums in Delhi.Manipuri dance is one of the 6 classical dance of India.It is purely religious and more of spritual connection.The dance depicts more of the religious activities and the daily activities of people staying in the state.It is considered to be softest,mildest and mostly it involves lots of hands and body movements but one of the most graceful and lyrical dances of the world.It is basically performed in Temples and religious functions. It has different dance forms like Ras Leela,Phung Cholom,Khamba-Thoibi,Maibi,Thabal Chongba etc....all these dance forms are all based on themes and involves instruments.Like Ras Leela is...