Meitei Wedding

The Land and the People

Meitei weddings are held by the Meitei people of Manipur. Most Meitei families live in the Imphal Valley. Manipur is a land of green hills, lakes and rich culture. It is well known for its classical dance and its love of sports. Loktak Lake, with its floating islands, is a famous place in the valley.

Many follow Hindu Vaishnavism, and some follow the old Sanamahi faith. Vaishnavism is the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. It came to Manipur many centuries ago. The Sanamahi faith is the old faith of the Meitei people. Some Meitei families also live in Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh. Their weddings are graceful and simple, with beautiful dress and music.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Meitei wedding usually takes one to three days. The families may take a longer time before this to agree on the match. The wedding itself is calm and short. It is held at the home of the bride or in a hall.

Before the Wedding

The families first meet and agree on the match. The elders of both sides talk about the young couple, their families and their homes. They also check that the two do not belong to the same clan. If both sides are happy, they fix the plan.

Elders of both families exchange gifts, fruits and sweets. The gifts are often given on a tray, and they are wrapped in cloth. The families share a meal. The elders bless the couple with their good wishes. A priest or a wise elder picks a lucky date. He looks at the stars and old books to find a good day.

The Wedding Day

The main wedding is called Luhongba. It is held in the home of the bride or in a hall. The ceremony is calm and holy. The couple sits before the priest, and prayers are said for their happy life. The priest may ask them to make a promise to each other. He offers flowers and fruits to the gods.

Family members bless the couple with flowers and gifts. The elders come forward one by one and put their hands on the heads of the couple. They give small gifts, such as cloth or money. The blessings are given with love. The mood is warm.

The bride’s family gives her gifts and blessings before she leaves. Her mother and aunts give her clothes, jewelry and household items. They wish her a happy life. The bride then goes to the groom’s home, where she is welcomed. The women of the groom’s family greet her with songs and a lamp.

Clothes and Jewelry

The bride wears a wrap-around skirt called Phanek and a shawl called Innaphi. The Phanek is a stiff and colourful skirt with a rich pattern. It is woven by hand. The Innaphi is a light shawl that is draped over the shoulders. The bride also wears gold jewelry and flowers. The groom wears a white dhoti and a turban. He also wears a white shirt or a jacket. The dress is neat and graceful.

Food, Music and Fun

The wedding meal has rice, fish, vegetables and local sweets. Manipuri food is simple and fresh. Fish is loved, and it is often cooked with herbs. Vegetables are boiled or roasted and served with a spicy chutney, called Iromba. The meal is served on banana leaves. Traditional Manipuri drums and music are often played. The drum called Pung is played at many festive events. The music is slow and sweet. A Meitei wedding is simple and graceful, with a touch of art and prayer.