Sangai Festival (culture, tourism promotion):

The ‘Sangai Festival’ is named after the State animal, Sangai, the brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur. Every year, the state celebrates this festival from 21st to 30th November. It started in the year 2010 and has grown over the years into a big platform for Manipur to showcase its rich tradition and culture to the world. This grand festival, now considered the state's most significant, plays a vital role in establishing Manipur as a world class tourism destination. Its annual celebration offers a comprehensive display of the state's diverse tourism assets, including Arts & Culture, Handloom & Handicrafts, Indigenous Sports, Cuisine, Music, and Adventure sports.

Yaoshang Festival (Manipuri Holi):

Yaoshang stands as one of the most significant festivals in Manipur, promoting unity as people from diverse communities participate in its joyful celebrations. This five-day event, coinciding with the full moon of the Manipuri month of Lamta (typically falling in February-March) and often celebrated alongside Holi, extends beyond the mere fun of colors. The festivities commence with the symbolic burning of a 'yaoshang' – a small structure crafted from bamboo and straw – on the inaugural day. Subsequently, young boys and girls, adorned in their finest clothing, engage in "nakatheng," the traditional practice of collecting donations from households.

A central highlight of Yaoshang is the Thabal Chongba, a traditional Manipuri folk dance. Under the glow of the full moon, boys and girls join hands to form circles, singing and dancing in unison. The literal translation of Thabal Chongba, "moonlight dance," clearly describes this typical Manipuri tradition of nighttime gathering.

Ningol Chakouba (family festival):

Ningol Chakouba is one of the popularly celebrated festivals in the state which falls on the second lunar day of the Manipuri calendar’s Hiyangei month. Ningol means ‘married woman’ and Chakouba means ‘invitation for feast’; so, the festival is the one where the married women are invited to their parents’ home for a feast. The invitation comes from the son(s) of the parental family of the ningols, generally a week in advance; it strengthens the bond of affections among the brothers and sisters, daughters and parents of a family. On this joyous day of Ningol Chakouba, along with the kids the married daughters of every family come to their parental home with a festive mood and much of emotions to be reunited with other members of the family.

Ningol Chakouba (family festival):

Ningol Chakouba is one of the popularly celebrated festivals in the state which falls on the second lunar day of the Manipuri calendar’s Hiyangei month. Ningol means ‘married woman’ and Chakouba means ‘invitation for feast’; so, the festival is the one where the married women are invited to their parents’ home for a feast. The invitation comes from the son(s) of the parental family of the ningols, generally a week in advance; it strengthens the bond of affections among the brothers and sisters, daughters and parents of a family. On this joyous day of Ningol Chakouba, along with the kids the married daughters of every family come to their parental home with a festive mood and much of emotions to be reunited with other members of the family.

Gaan-Ngai:

Gaan-Ngai is an important festival of Kabui-Naga tribe and it is celebrated for five consecutive days in the month of Wakching (December/January). The festival opens with a religious ceremony on the first day and the rest of the days are associated with common feasts, dances and presentation of gifts.

Ramjan Id (Id-Ul-Fitr):

Ramjan Id is the most popular festival among Manipuri Muslims. It is celebrated with the same spirit of joy and festivity as done in other parts of the world. Ramjan is the 9th month of the Hijri year. During this month, the Muslims practice fasting by avoiding food and drink till sunset. After the end of the month, on the second day of Shawwal, when the new moon is visible, they break the fast. This day is called Id-Ul-Fitr.

Lui-Ngai-Ni:

It is a collective festival of the Nagas observed on the 15th day of February every year. This is a seed sowing festival after which tribes belonging to the Naga group begin their cultivation. Social gatherings, songs and dances highlight the festivity.

Mera Hou Chongba:

This festival is celebrated to promote solidarity, peace and integrity among various ethnic communities in the state. People from different communities inhabiting both the hills and the plain, irrespective of caste, creed or colour, bring goods available in the region and assemble at the Kangla, the ancient seat of power of the rulers of Manipur. This festival provides a common platform for interaction, peace and unity which strengthen the bond among the people of the state.

Christmas:

Christmas is the greatest festival for all Christians. This occasion is observed on 25th December of every year. Prayer session, singing carols and sermons mark the festival as all the Christians of the state join the worldwide celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.