Cultural Immersion With The Manipuri Tribe

Sreemangal is not only the tea capital of Bangladesh, but it’s also a stronghold for many ethnies such as the Manipuri people, who have many tea plantations in the area and their own unique way of picking tea. For this day tour from Srimangal we’ll spend the day with the Manipuri tribe in their village, getting to know more about their daily life and we will join them in the tea picking process. At noon we’ll have a traditional meal and you’ll also get to see the products of their handicrafts such as textile, sheets, bags and more and of course … There will also be tea tasting! This is a truly unique experience which is a great activity for your travel to Bangladesh and also includes a visit to the Bhanubil Wetlands on top! The tour includes pick-up and drop off at the hotel in Sreemangal.

The Manipuri people in Sreemangal, Bangladesh, are believed to be the descendants of Manipuri soldiers who settled in the region during the 18th century. Over time, they formed a distinct community with their own language, culture, and traditions.

According to Banglapedia, the Manipuri community in Bangladesh is mainly concentrated in the village of Kalapur, which is located about 10 kilometers from the town of Sreemangal. The village has a population of around 2,000 people, most of whom are Manipuri. The Manipuri people in Sreemangal speak Meiteilon or Manipuri, which is a Tibeto-Burman language. They also have their own traditional dress, which includes a long skirt called phanek and a shawl called innaphi. The women wear their hair in a bun and adorn it with flowers, while the men wear a dhoti and a turban.

The Manipuri people in Sreemangal are known for their expertise in handloom weaving. They produce a wide range of textiles, including saris, shawls, and other traditional garments. They also make handicrafts such as bamboo and cane products.

One of the most important festivals celebrated by the Manipuri people in Sreemangal is Lai Haraoba. This festival is a celebration of the indigenous Meitei religion and is marked by elaborate dances, music, and rituals. It is an important cultural event for the Manipuri community.

The Manipuri people in Sreemangal have made significant contributions to the fields of music, dance, and art. They are also known for their martial arts, which include Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak. These are traditional Manipuri martial arts that involve the use of swords and spears.