Khwairamband Bazar

An excellent example of the matriarchal society of the state of Manipur is reflected in the Khwairamband Bazar. It is run by a total number of 3000 women who operate the business transactions of the market. Various local products are sold in the market by the local women who are referred to as the Imas, meaning mothers.

The Khwairamband Bazar is centrally located in the capital city of Imphal. The market place is divided into two sections. On one side of the market, the women sell the handloom products that make excellent collectible items for the tourists who visit the state of Manipur. On the other side of the road lies the vegetable market, where fruits and fishes are also sold. Cosmetics, household utensils and jewelry are found in this section of the market. The handicrafts found in the Khwairamband Bazar of Manipur also contain the plaited osiers that are a specialty of the region.

A legendary belief lingers in the society of Manipur that the women marketeers of the Khwairamband Bazar are supervised by the Ima Goddess. The market, therefore, is also popular as the Ima Market. On some occasions, it is also referred to as the Keithel. The market remains open on all days from 7 A.M in the morning to 7 P.M in the evening. With 3000 women marketeers, the Khwairamband Bazar is reputed to be one of the largest women-oriented markets of the country. The bazaar is an immensely popular tourist attraction in Manipur.