Our Roots Run Deep
Preserving over 2,000 years of living history, indigenous script, and sacred Meetei heritage far from home.
Language & Script
The Meitei language (Meiteilon) and its indigenous script (Meitei Mayek) form the foundation of our cultural identity. The diaspora in Delhi actively works to keep this living heritage alive in classrooms, community spaces, and digital platforms.
Over 2,000 Years of Written History
Meiteilon is a Tibeto-Burman language with a documented written history spanning more than two millennia. It serves as Manipur's official language.
Eighth Schedule
Included in the Indian Constitution on August 20, 1992, granting it national recognition and laying the foundation for formal education.
The Meitei Mayek Script
An indigenous script with 27 primary consonant letters. After centuries of suppression, it was revived in the 1930s. The script was formally re-integrated into the school syllabus in 2005.
Living Traditions
Our festivals and classical arts are not just performances; they are the rhythms of life that connect the diaspora to the seasons and spiritual traditions of home.
Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba
The lunar New Year festival of the Meitei people, marking the arrival of spring. It involves cleaning and decorating homes, preparing a traditional feast offered to the deities, and climbing a nearby hill to pray for elevation in life.
Imoinu Eratpa
A festival dedicated to the Meitei goddess of wealth, prosperity, and hearth fire, Imoinu Ahongbi. The community lights up homes with candles and offers seasonal vegetables and sweets, praying for well-being and abundance.
Lai Haraoba
The "merry-making of the gods," an ancient ritual festival honoring the Umang Lai (forest deities). Through intricate dances and ceremonies performed by Maibas and Maibis (priests and priestesses), it reenacts the creation myths and cosmology of the Meitei people.
Ningol Chakouba
A beautiful social festival celebrating the bond of love between brothers and sisters. Married daughters (Ningols) are invited by their brothers to a grand feast (Chakouba) at their parental homes, receiving blessings and gifts, reinforcing familial ties.
Mera Kwak Tanba
A traditional festival involving the ritualistic chasing of the crow (Kwak). It signifies forecasting the prosperity and socio-political conditions of the coming year based on the bird's flight, whilst bridging ties between the valley and hill communities.
Women's Heritage & Civic Leadership
Meetei women have a centuries-long tradition of organized political action and economic independence. This legacy runs through our community's DNA — and is carried forward by the DMCC Women's Wing today.
The Nupi Lal
In 1904 and 1939, Meetei women organized powerful uprisings against colonial exploitation — defining a legacy of civic courage.
Ima Keithel
Asia's largest all-women market, run exclusively by married women for over 500 years. 5,000+ active vendors today.
Women's Wing
The DMCC Women's Wing carries this legacy forward — organizing relief, preserving culture, and advocating for justice.
Living Heritage
From economic independence to cultural guardianship, Meetei women remain the resilient backbone of our community.
Meetei Yumpham in Delhi
Resolved in January 2025 by the Meetei Yumpham Trust, this is Delhi's first dedicated sacred cultural space for the Meetei diaspora. As those who conceived it put it: “In the heart of a bustling metropolis like Delhi, it is required to carve out a sacred space, a cultural haven, a home for our hearts.”
- Dedicated Sanamahi Temple Space
- Community Gathering Center
- Home for Lai Haraoba Rituals
- A Place to Call Home in Delhi
Make a Difference
Support the Meetei Community
Your contribution empowers youth, preserves our culture, and supports families in need.
- Fund Scholarships & Education
- Cultural Preservation Programs
- Community Empowerment
Every action builds a stronger diaspora
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Join thousands of Meetei community members across Delhi NCR making a real difference.
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