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The recorded history of Manipur commences from 33 A.D. onwards. The cultural and social system, recorded in not less than 1,000 old Meetei scriptures is a living testimony of the rich heritage embodying Manipuri sciences, ethics, aesthetics, fabulous arts, and above all, the universal Manipuri thought, faith and philosophy.
The Manipuri people have their own traditional dresses and colourful costumes. The craftsmen of Manipur are excellent in weaving wonderful garments and other handicrafts made with bamboo, stone etc.
The tradition of games and sports dates back to the ancient history of Manipur with its history of small kingdoms keen for competition with one another. Wars among themselves and with Ava (Myanmar) resulted in a martial tradition which in turn gave due impetus to the development of indigenous games.
Important festivals of Manipur are – Gan-Ngai, Ramjan Id, Lui-Ngai-Ni, Yaoshang, Cheiraoba, Lai Haraoba, Kwak Yatra….
From the period before Christ up to the advent of Hinduism around l8th century A.D., Manipur preserved a religion rich in mythology and colorful in ritual. Early Manipuris were the devotees of Supreme Almighty God "Lainingthou Soralel" following the footprint of their Godly ancestors.
That particular kind of ancestor worship and animism, with the central focus of worship on Umang Lai - that is, local governing deities worshipped in sacred groves. The religious life of the people, even when they have come much under the influence of Hinduism, retains many characteristics inherited from their prehistoric ancestors. The essentials of this religion remain recognizable to the present day.
Manipuri faith synthesizes the essential truths of Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Christianity and the tribal religion assimilating into one and pursuing the ultimate truth and godhood in such a way as if they belonged to it as its different aspects and parts. Sanamahi Leining, the ancestor worship, the Burmese Buddhism and the Hindu cults have been welded together in Manipuri Religion, whose aim is the realization of God and its reflection in human beings.
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