Shopping In Manipur

¤ A Shopper's Delight

There are various markets in Manipur but Khwairambam bazar, Moreh and Paona Bazar are really worth mentioning. The Moreh market had been attracting a lot of visitors from other states and foreigners gradually. People who want to shop come to Manipur for buying the rich handloom and the foreign goods that comes in through the border of India and Myanmar. Clothes, electronic goods, edible things, utensils, decorative pieces and also some of the exotic snacks foreign to the Indian side are also available. The journey to Moreh is also a pleasure as it will take you through the greenest of nature and have you chilled when you reach the highest altitude(Teknopal) in the state somewhere halfway on the journey.


¤ Khwairambam Bazar

Located in the heart of the city, this bazar's uniqueness is that the shops are all owned and run by women. The articles available in the market range from the vegetables to the elegant hand looms. The number of the women(Ima) shopkeepers should be around 3000 and the women sell their goods in narrow lanes. Most of the women, come from other districts early in the morning and sell things like fishes, vegetables and clothes and go back to their respective homes in the late evenings.


¤ Moreh

One of the markets on the border of India and Myanmar is at a distance of 110 kms from Imphal and it takes 3 hours to drive till there. Travelling to the market is like going on an adventure trip because it takes you through a long and winding road across the hills. Namphalong Bazar(within India) is a shoppers delight who want to purchase foreign goods that are made in the neighbouring countries. A lot of electronic goods is sold starting from the smallest battery to the home theaters. What draws the buyers is the cheap factor as compared to our market goods. An unusual feature of this market is that when the demand of a commodity is less, it cost more but if the demand is high, it cost less owing from the transportation of the commodity. From here shoppers can even go to another corresponding market in Myanmar by the name of Tamu without even passports for a few hours.


¤ Paona Bazar

Paona Bazar is also situated in the heart of the city. Handloom industry in Manipur is rampant and almost every household has a loom. Popular one is the Moirangphee which is believed to have been introduced by Princess Thoibi of Moirang. The most common cloth which women wear is the Phanek(wrap-around) which has red and black stripes. Exotic shawl(Hauphee), Tangkhul scarf, Lanshingphee blanket can be bought here. Manipur Handlooms Sales Emporium, Handloom House and Tribal Emporium and Sangai Handloom, near the Gandhi Memorial are some of the shops where it is available.