Ima Keithel (meaning "Mothers' Market" in Meitei) is in Khwairamband Bazaar, Imphal West district, Manipur — at 24.8061°N, 93.9396°E, 500 m from Kangla Fort. The world's only market run exclusively by married Meitei women (Imas), it has over 3,000 women vendors operating across two large market buildings. Selling everything from fish and vegetables to handloom textiles and artefacts, Ima Keithel has functioned as both a commercial hub and a centre of women's political resistance for 500+ years.
Ima Keithel
The Mothers' Market — World's Only Market Run Exclusively by Women for 500 Years
History of Ima Keithel
Origins in the Lallup-Kaba Labour System
Ima Keithel originated from the Lallup-Kaba system — an ancient Meitei feudal labour practice where men (aged 16–60) were required to serve the Meitei king for military and public works, leaving women to manage the household economy. Meitei Imas (married women) organized the market as a practical necessity — initially informal trading at Khwairamband. Over generations, the market formalized with designated stall positions, hereditary rights, and an internal governance system managed entirely by women.
Nupi Lan — The Women's Wars (1904 & 1939)
Ima Keithel was the organizing base for two historic women's uprisings: the First Nupi Lan (1904) protesting British-forced rice exports during famine, and the Second Nupi Lan (1939) — a 12-day resistance against the export of rice through merchants while Manipuris starved. Thousands of Imas marched from the market to the State Darbar, shutting the city down. Both protests are now taught in Indian history as landmark women's political movements. The Second Nupi Lan forced the British to reverse their policy.
Modern Market Buildings (1981 & 2010)
The original open-air market stalls were replaced with two purpose-built covered market buildings — the first constructed in 1981 (Ima Keithel I) and the second in 2010 (Ima Keithel II). Each building has designated sections for vegetables, fish, dry goods, and textiles. The state government maintains the infrastructure while market governance remains entirely with the women's collective (Nupi Keithel Association). No male vendor has operated a stall in Ima Keithel's history.
Cultural & Economic Significance
Ima Keithel is both UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidate material and a living women's empowerment institution. The 3,000+ Imas (all married — unmarried women cannot hold stalls by custom) run concurrent household duties alongside their stalls — many pass stall rights to daughters-in-law. The market's handloom section sells authentic Manipuri Moirangphee (traditional woven fabric), Phanek (sarongs), and Innaphi (shawls) — the most reliable place in Manipur to buy genuine, uncontained handloom textiles at fair prices.
Festivals & Events
Nupi Lan Day (December 12)
December 12 — the anniversary of the Second Nupi Lan — is Manipur's Women's Day. The Imas of Ima Keithel close their stalls and participate in a commemorative march through Imphal, ending at their market. State government officials, school children, and civil society organizations attend. Historical plays depicting the 1939 women's resistance are staged inside the market and at nearby Kangla Fort. The day reinforces Ima Keithel's identity as a political as well as commercial institution.
Sangai Festival Shopping Week (November)
During the Sangai Festival (November 21–30), Ima Keithel becomes the central craft shopping destination for festival visitors. The handloom section extends additional stalls into the surrounding bazaar lane. Special discounts on Manipuri textiles — Moirangphee fabrics, handwoven cotton shawls, bamboo crafts — make this the best week to buy authentic Manipuri goods. The market extends its operating hours from the usual 6 AM–7 PM to accommodate event crowds.
Did You Know?
Ima Keithel operates on a system where stall rights are not sold — they are transferred within families or through a formal application to the Nupi Keithel Association. A waiting list of 500+ women exists for new stall positions — demonstrating the market's continued economic importance in Meitei society. During the COVID-19 lockdowns (2020–21), when Ima Keithel was forced to close, the Manipur government designated it an "essential service" and allowed limited operations — an unprecedented recognition that the market was treating it equivalent to a hospital for economic survival of Imphal's communities.
Travel Guide to Ima Keithel
How to Reach
By Air: Imphal Airport (IMF) — 6 km; taxi ₹150–200. Ima Keithel is centrally located in Imphal city.
By Train: No rail to Imphal — fly from Delhi, Kolkata, or Guwahati.
By Road: Ima Keithel is at Khwairamband Bazaar, Imphal city centre — walkable from Kangla Fort (500 m). Auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Imphal: ₹30–80.
Best Time to Visit
Market is open daily 6 AM–7 PM. Best shopping hours: 8–11 AM (fresh stock, most vendors active, cool temperature). Avoid Sundays — the market is busiest with locals; very crowded by 10 AM. November (Sangai Festival week): special extended hours and handloom sale. The fish and vegetable section is freshest at 6:30–8 AM. Closed on major government holidays — check locally before planning.
Local Attractions Nearby
Kangla Fort: 500 m — ancient Meitei royal fort, open garden-museum.
Shree Govindajee Temple: 300 m — Imphal's most prominent Vaishnavite temple.
Manipur State Museum: 1 km — tribal artifacts, royal regalia, natural history.
Imphal War Cemetery: 4 km — immaculately maintained WWII Commonwealth graves.
Tips for Visitors
Best buys: Manipuri Phanek fabric (₹300–800), handwoven Innaphi shawls (₹500–2,000), dried fish (Ngari — fermented fish, a Manipuri staple), and fresh organic vegetables from surrounding hills.
Bargaining is expected but respectful — Imas are not aggressive. Start at 70% of asking price for textiles. For vegetables and fish, prices are fixed. Treating vendors with respect builds rapport and often yields better prices.
Ask before photographing Imas at their stalls — some welcome it, some prefer privacy. A small purchase with a smile usually leads to a warm photo opportunity. The textiles section (Building I, Floor 2) is the most photogenic area.
Khwairamband Bazaar surrounding lanes have additional shops selling Meitei handicrafts, dried herbs, and spices — explore the lanes around Ima Keithel I and II for a full bazaar experience (30–45 min circuit).