Ima Keithel (Khwairamband Bazar)
Ima Keithel
The world's largest market run entirely by women
About this place
Roughly 4,000 Ima (mothers) trade from three purpose-built halls at the centre of Imphal, and no man may hold a stall. One block sells fresh vegetables, ngari (fermented fish), hawaijar and dried river fish; another sells handloom (phanek, innaphi, Moirang Phee bordered cloth); the third sells hardware, brass and toys. The noise, the stacked lotus stems and the rows of women in matching phanek make it the most photographed interior in the state.
The history
The market's roots lie in the Lallup-kaba forced-labour system, which sent men away to work and left trade to women. The Ima have twice been the engine of political revolt: the Nupi Lan (Women's Wars) of 1904 and 1939 both began here.
How to reach
Central Imphal, on BT Road. Walkable from most city hotels; autos from anywhere in Imphal cost ₹30–60.
Local tips
- Ask before photographing a vendor. Most agree warmly, a few do not.
- Bargaining is normal for cloth but considered rude for vegetables.
- Buy Moirang Phee and chak-hao (black rice) here; prices are far below the airport shops.
Gallery
On the map
Khwairamband Bazar, BT Road, Imphal · 24.8065°N, 93.9360°E
Ima Keithel (Khwairamband Bazar)
Khwairamband Bazar, BT Road, Imphal
24.8065°N, 93.9360°E
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