Meitei people in Karnataka

Meitei people (), also known as the Manipuris (), in Karnataka, constitute a small diaspora community, mostly originated from the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. Primarily settled in urban centers such as Bengaluru, their migration has been driven by factors including education, employment, and professional opportunities. The community retains aspects of its linguistic and cultural identity, notably the use of the Meiteilon (Manipuri) language and the observance of traditional Meitei festivals and customs. While geographically distant from their native region, the Meitei population in Karnataka maintains social and cultural networks that support community cohesion and cultural continuity.
They are sometimes referred to as Kannadiga Meitei people.

 Cinema 


ONENESS, a Meitei language film directed by Priyakanta Laishram, was selected for the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival (BQFF 2024), held from August 23 to 25, 2024. It was the only film from Northeast India chosen for the festival. The film had its Bangalore premiere on August 24, 2024, at MEDAI—The Stage, Koramangala.

The Meitei language film Thajagi Maihing was screened at the Secretary Club in Cubbon Park, Bangalore, on 19 May 2013. The event was organized by the Bangalorian Manipuri group.

Imagi Laman Singandre, another Meitei language film, produced by Awang Koubru Movies, was screened to a full audience on October 17, 2010, at St John's Auditorium in Koramangala, Bangalore.

 Cuisine 

Utti, Eromba, Champhoot, Singju, Angouba, Ataoba, Sagol Hawai, Hei Thonnga, Khamen Angaoba, Achar, and Kher are traditional Meitei dishes found in Bangalore.

 Education 
In 2013, a five-day science camp was held at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Challakere campus in Bangalore for students from Manipur, under the Science Talent Development Program in collaboration with the Directorate of Science and Technology, Government of Manipur. Aimed at fostering interest in basic sciences, the camp involved around 60 students from Class XI and XII who participated in lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiments in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, conducted by IISc faculty and supported by Manipuri research scholars. The program concluded with visits to key IISc research facilities, including the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering and the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, providing students exposure to current scientific research. The initiative was coordinated by Dr. Ksh. Jugeshwar Singh, who highlighted the importance of creating opportunities in science for students from Manipur.

 Fashion 
On August 5, 2018, Manipuri designer and make-up artist Robert Naorem showed his collection "Design in the Weaves of Manipur" at the 10th Bangalore Fashion Week, held at The Ottera in Bangalore. Although he had worked as the event’s Make-up Director for nine years, this was his first time presenting his own designs.

The show featured 21 models, including five from Manipur and two international models. Manipuri footballer Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem was the showstopper. Naorem said he wanted to bring attention to Manipuri weaves and help local weavers find more opportunities. The event was organized by Dream Merchants, an event management company based in Bangalore.

 Festivals 

 Ningol Chakouba 

Ningol Chakouba is a traditional Meitei festival, celebrated by the Meitei diaspora in Bangalore.

The Manipuri Meitei Association Bangalore organized its annual Ningol Chakouba event on 9th November 2014 at the Senate Hall, Central University campus, near Mysore Bank Circle. The event saw a turnout larger than expected. Preparations for the festival began early in the morning, with the kitchen team arriving first and the dishes starting to be served by 9 a.m. Most of the food was ready before the arrival of the guests and Ningols. The venue was set up with lights, chairs, banners, and cameras, and the food was nearly prepared by the time the event began.

 Sajibu Cheiraoba 
"Kajenglei, Centre for Manipur Arts and Culture, Bangalore" celebrated Sajibu Cheiraoba (traditional Meitei new year) on 30th March 2013, with Dr. H. R. Bhardwaj, the Governor of Karnataka, in attendance. The event was sponsored by Doordarshan Kendra-Bangalore, Raj Bhavan-Bangalore, All India Radio, State Bank of India, and Vijayavani Kannadigara Dhawani. The celebration reflected the continuity of Meitei traditions, regardless of their global diaspora.

 Yaoshang 
Yaoshang is a traditional Meitei festival, celebrated by the Meitei diaspora in Bangalore.

 Observances of special days 
 Manipur Patriots’ Day 
In August 2024, the Manipuri Meitei Association, Bangalore (MMAB), commemorated the 133rd Manipur Patriots’ Day, marking the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The event paid tribute to individuals who died in the conflict, which is regarded in some historical accounts as India’s second war of independence. According to an MMAB press release, the observance also noted the Government of India’s recent decision to name the third highest peak in the Andaman Islands "Mount Manipur," referencing remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 Resistance Day 
Resistance Day is an annual observance initiated by the Manipuri Meitei Association, Bangalore, to mark the events of May 3, 2023, when coordinated attacks by Kuki militant groups, including those under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, led to widespread violence, arson, and civilian displacement in Manipur. According to the association, the attacks were carried out in response to a directive from the Manipur High Court and were accompanied by a rise in illegal cross-border migration, which they claim altered the state’s demographic balance. The day is observed to reflect on these developments and to highlight concerns related to internal conflict, drug trafficking, poppy cultivation, and efforts perceived as undermining Manipur’s social and cultural cohesion, particularly in relation to the Meitei community.

 Games and sports 


Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manipuri Meitei Association Bangalore (MMAB) organized the Yaoshang Sports 2022 event on 3 April 2022 in Bengaluru. The event was held after a notable improvement in the public health situation and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the city. It served as a recreational gathering for members of the Meitei community, including children, youth, and families, facilitating social interaction and physical activity.

 Handicrafts and handloom 

Bangalore based Manipuri designer and make-up artist Robert Naorem's collection focused on traditional Manipuri handloom, with three parts: a mix of traditional and modern styles, designs from ancient Manipuri culture, and symbols of unity between the hills and valleys of the region.

 Martial arts 

Thang Ta is a traditional Meitei martial arts which is practiced in Karnataka as part of efforts by the Meitei diaspora to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.

 Social services 
In August 2023, the Manipuri Meitei Association Bangalore (MMAB) facilitated the shipment of relief materials to Manipur and provided financial and emotional support to students in Bangalore. The association sent a total of 1,400 kg of supplies, including oil, vegetables, rice, dal, milk, and biscuits, along with other essential items such as ORS, toiletries, sanitary pads, and first-aid kits.

On 16 March 2020, the Meitei Students' Association Bengaluru conducted a public health initiative in Bangalore in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity involved the distribution of hand sanitizers and the dissemination of health awareness information.

The National Youth Charitable Trust, Manipuri Meitei Association Bangalore, and Bangalore Manipur Students' Association jointly organized a blood donation campaign on 25 January 2015.

 Associations and organizations 
 BMSA (Bangalore Manipur Students Association)
 Kajenglei, Centre for Manipur Arts and Culture, Bangalore
 Manipuri Meitei Association, Bangalore (MMAB) or Manipuri Meitei Association (MAMA)
 Meitei Students’ Association Bengaluru (MSAB)

 Related pages 
 Meitei people in Australia
 Meitei people in Canada
 Meitei people in the United  Kingdom
 Meitei people in the United States
 Meitei people in Bangladesh
 Meitei people in Korea
 Meitei people in Myanmar
 Meitei people in Assam
 Meitei people in Maharashtra
 Meitei people in Meghalaya
 Meitei people in Nagaland
 Meitei people in Tripura
 Meitei people in West Bengal

 References 

Category:Meitei people
Category:Karnataka
Category:Meitei culture