S. Balakrishnan                                                                                                                         New # 7/C-1, Sivan Kovil Street

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krishnanbala2004@yahoo.co.in                                                                                          Chennai - 600 024

Magical Manipur (Part I)

Thagatchari (Thank you), Manipur!

                                                                             . . . S. Balakrishnan

Thagatchari, Manipur, for the magical, mesmerizing, memorable (you can add all the superlatives here) six days of our stay there!  We say this deep from our hearts and deep down from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

We timed our visit during Yaoshang (Holi) which gave us an unforgettable insight into the religious as well as cultural aspects of the Vaishnavite tradition in all its glory. Despite my initial hesitations because of blockades in some parts of Manipur, the trip (March 22 to 27) was a smooth one, maybe due to the festive mood of Yaoshang  and Easter. Let me first pat myself for choosing this season! This was also an apt season from the scenic point of view - what with pink & purple cherries and orchids in blossom! Yaoshang holidays, however, had its adverse effect on helpless tourists like us, what with all the shops and tourist spots closed down almost throughout those five days. Addicted to reading daily newspapers, it was unbelievable for me to learn that newspaper establishments too had extended holiday of five days during this period.

To our pleasant surprise, wherever we went in Manipur, each and everyone was so friendly; so much so that on occasions we were even treated as VIPs, which status we, as humble citizens, can't even dream of back in the big & bad (?) city of Chennai. We were also happy to note that many people whom we met had some or other connection with Chennai or Tamil Nadu or South India and also fond memories. They even pleasantly shocked us with their knowledge of Tamil language. It was just unbelievable that one gentleman remembered Tamil even after 40 long years! So it turns out that Chennai is after all not that bad a big city. Well, I am really happy. The respect the Manipuris have for South India and its people should be maintained well.

          Just two words about Manipuri cuisine - "terribly spicy!" The credit for spicy food goes to Andhra cuisine, but after tasting Manipuri food I think Andhra food is way below in the rank list. Manipuri people are so friendly and charming, but how come their food is so spicy?!  Fearing this factor, I even decided to skip invitations for wedding feasts in Manipur. The secret is nobody ever extended such an invite!

That being so, I fancied dropping into  the Raj Bhawan in Imphal for a chitchat over a cup of chaai  or preferably coffee with His Excellency Shri V. Shanmuganathan, the Governor of Manipur & Meghalaya. H.E. not only hails from Tamil Nadu but also from Thanjavur, my own native native District. But the gun-toting security personnel scared me off.

A special mention about Manipur is the prohibition policy. Despite being a cold place, it is appreciable that prohibition is in place. However, I learnt it is available from military and police canteens, which should be tightened. Keep it up Manipur!

Our special thanks are due to the tour operators, Seven Sisters Holidays who had meticulously arranged our itinerary along with cozy lodging & transport, despite my nagging questions & doubts. It could be the other way around also; anyhow, it worked well. We are also indebted to Shri Krishna Kanta, the friendly guide who was with us throughout our trip. He also helped us by bargaining in local language while shopping but was unsuccessful in reducing the rate with the tough Ima (mother / woman) seller! Thanks to the staff of Sendra Resort & Classic Grande, our stay was quite comfortable and the food was also enjoyable as it was prepared less spicy as requested by us.

Our fond hope of watching a polo match in its place of origin did not materialise, nor that of watching a Raas Leela performance. Maybe we should have extended our trip by two more days till 29th. This was partially compensated by the Holi dol jatra at Lord Govindajee Mandir and at the house of Kakching MLA, Shri Yengkhom Surchandra Singh. Neither could we 'shop till drop'; I mean the handicrafts & handloom items of Manipur.

Ultimately, our respectful thanks and pranams to Lord Govidnajee who 'destined' us to visit Manipur during Yaoshang, though initially I had 'proposed' to visit Mizoram instead. I proposed, but Lord Govindajee decided! Maybe He thought it appropriate that we, also Vaishnavites, visit Manipur during His most colourful festival.

In total, our stay in Manipur was pure bliss of the highest order. We had eyes full of scenic beauty and religious, social & cultural activities, ears full of religious & traditional music, heart full of Manipuri warmth, friendship & hospitality, and mind full of magical memories of Manipur. We are a contended lot!

A special word about the Manipuri youth - we were overwhelmed with happiness to  watch Manipuri youth participate in traditional dance & music with great enthusiasm & verve. Keep it up, boys & girls!

So, once again, Happy Yaoshang  and Thagatchari (Thank you), Manipur!

                                                                   … krishnanbala2004@yahoo.co.in