Manipuri Ras Leela
What happens
The classical dance-drama of Krishna and the gopis, performed through the night in temple courtyards on the full moon nights of Kartik, Basanta and Kunja. Dancers wear the potloi, a stiff embroidered cylindrical skirt unique to Manipur, and the movement is unbroken and circular, without a sharp angle in it. The Govindajee temple in Imphal holds the most important performances.
Why it matters
Manipur's contribution to India's classical dance canon, created under Maharaja Bhagyachandra in the 18th century and still performed as devotion rather than spectacle.
Gallery
While you are in Imphal East
Places worth pairing with Manipuri Ras Leela.
Photo: Mriganka Sekhar Halder / Google Maps
ParkImphal East
Silheipung Garden, Lamlai
Lamlai, Imphal East district
A garden on the eastern edge of Imphal, on the Andro road
- Distance from Imphal
- 16 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: Sujal Banya / Google Maps
ParkImphal East
Ebudhou Marjing Eco-Tourism Park
VXH3+JFX, Heingang, Manipur 795002, India
The Marjing hill complex — site of the giant polo statue. Polo originated in Manipur, which makes this one of the strongest culture-plus-nature stories available. Reviews: walk up
- Distance from Imphal
- 7.0 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: priya Lakshmi / Google Maps
ParkImphal East
Matai Garden
VW68+GH2, Matai Mamang Leikai, Luwangsangbam, Imphal, Manipur 795002, India
Matai Garden
- Distance from Imphal
- 5.0 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: Sk Loit / Google Maps
ParkImphal East
Chingarel Biodiversity Park
Chingarel Hill,, VX6V+RRM, Waiton, Manipur 795010, India
Reviews: clean, well maintained, away from the city. Fits the eco-tourism theme.
- Distance from Imphal
- 8.0 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page