What happens
The oldest surviving ritual performance in Manipur, literally the 'pleasing of the gods'. Over several nights in a village courtyard, maibi priestesses dance the entire Meitei creation story, from the making of the world through the building of a house and the weaving of cloth, accompanied by the pena fiddle. Different localities hold it at different times through spring and early summer; Moirang's is the most elaborate.
Why it matters
The living core of pre-Vaishnavite Meitei religion, and the source from which much of Manipuri classical dance descends.
Gallery
While you are in Bishnupur
Places worth pairing with Lai Haraoba.
Photo: Shalu S / Google Maps
ParkBishnupur
Omba and Nurathel Garden, Takmu Lake
GQ4V+9RV, Bishnupur, Manipur 795133, India
About 45 km from Imphal on Loktak. Adjacent to the Loktak Aquamarine homestay site at Takmu.
- Distance from Imphal
- 37 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: Johnson laishram / Google Maps
LakeBishnupur
Loukoi Pat
Lakoi Pat
Off Tiddim Road (NH-150), Bishnupur district
A small boating lake on the Tiddim Road most Loktak visitors drive straight past
- Distance from Imphal
- 27 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: Mukesh Negi / Google Maps
HillBishnupur
Keibul Lamjao National Park View Point
FRF8+4M, Kha Thingungei, Manipur 795133, India
Keibul Lamjao National Park View Point
- Distance from Imphal
- 40 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: IRON HORSE Rajiv Sen / Google Maps
CaveBishnupur
Khoupum Cave
MF8H+JXV, Tamenglong, Manipur 795126, India
Corroborates the Khukdai cave named in the Khoupum Valley record in places.json.
- Distance from Imphal
- 49 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page