Fish in Meitei culture

of Sandrembi Chaisra]]
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In Meitei culture, fish are very important and symbolize wealth, life, and nature's balance. Fish are a key part of their food and traditional dishes. They also appear in stories, festivals, and rituals, showing their deep connection to nature and the water life of Manipur and other Meitei populated areas of Assam, Tripura as well as in Bangladesh and Myanmar. or "Lemlei" (ꯂꯦꯝꯂꯩ) in Meitei language (also known as Manipuri).
* Ngā marum (ꯉꯥ ꯃꯔꯨꯝ, /ŋá mə.rum/) refers to roe, which are the eggs of a fish. The term's morphological components consist of "ngā" (fish) and "ma-rum" (egg), highlighting its significance as the reproductive product of fish, often valued in culinary traditions.

Lemlei Ngaleima is considered a sister (or a close friend) to other significant goddesses like Phouoibi, Thumleima, and Ereima, who are also important figures in Meitei culture and mythology. These goddesses are seen as companions, each playing their own special roles in the spiritual stories of the Meitei people. Through Lemlei Ngaleima, the Meitei people honor the natural world, particularly the life that thrives in water.

### Ngamu 
 creating ngamu during the primordial era]]

The Meetei Ngamu Thaba, also known as Ushin Shinba, is a Meitei tradition that focuses on protecting aquatic life and preserving biodiversity.

Ngamu Thaba involves a fish called Ngamu (Orientalis Schneider), which represents all fish species because of its good health, long life, and energy. The fish is allowed to swim in the water during certain ceremonies, with songs or rhymes, on special dates in the lunar Meitei calendar.

The little fish noticed Phouoibi struggling and quickly swam to her rescue. It helped her reach the shore of the other riverbank. Grateful for the fish's help, Phouoibi thanked it and gave the fish a special gift. She wished that it would shine brightly like a mirror in the clear water. Phouoibi also hoped that ballad singers would always praise ngamhai fish’s silvery beauty whenever they told its story.

### Holy and sacred fish 
## In marriage ceremony  
In Meitei marriage traditions, fish symbolize unity and the couple's shared journey. The ceremony starts with the groom's and bride's families releasing a pair of Ngamu (Channa spp.) into a water body. The fish swimming side by side reflects harmony and lifelong unity for the couple. However, if one fish moves away or behaves differently, it's seen as a bad sign. This ritual beautifully ties the natural world to human relationships, showcasing deep cultural values.

### Ningol Chakkouba 
This annual festival strengthens the bond between married daughters (Ningol) and their paternal families. It revolves around a feast (Chakouba) featuring fish dishes, with fish curry made from premium varieties like Wallago attu and large-sized carps as the centerpiece. Fish farmers prepare for the festival by stocking ponds, while natural water bodies like Loktak Lake are often replenished with fish seeds to ensure ample supply for the celebration.

### Cheiraoba 
Celebrated as the New Year in the Meitei calendar, Sajibu Cheiraoba includes offering Channa orientalis (Ngamu fish) to the Meitei deities. This ritual seeks to ensure the family's well-being and protect them from misfortune, marking a fresh start to the year with hope and positivity.

### Saroi Khangba (Ritual to Appease Dark Gods) 
Observed during the month of Lamta (March), Meiteis believe dark gods hold stronger influence. On the first and last Saturdays of this month, women perform Saroi Khangba by offering mixed vegetable dishes like banana stem (laphu) and Colocasia stem (yendem), combined with fermented fish (Ngari) and smoked fish. The ritual takes place at the boundary of villages or colonies and serves as a symbolic act to appease the dark gods, substituting human lives and ensuring harmony and protection.

## Gallery 

Wooden artworks of aquatic creatures, displayed in the Joysana Retreat, a resort in Oinam town, near Nambol town, in Manipur state (Kangleipak) 02.jpg
Nga Ataoba (alias Nga Atauba, Ngaa Taoba, Ngaa Tauba) - traditional Meitei oil fried fish dish - Classical Meitei cuisine 03.jpg
ꯄꯦꯡꯕꯥ.jpg
Ingredients for making traditional Meitei food, Eromba (alias Iromba, Eronba, Ironba) - Classical Meitei cuisine of Kangleipak.jpg
Ngari aka fermented fish..JPG
Nga Ataoba (alias Nga Atauba, Ngaa Taoba, Ngaa Tauba) - traditional Meitei oil fried fish dish - Classical Meitei cuisine 02.jpg
Makoi Fampak, a place for ornament fish view, in the Joysana Retreat, a resort in Oinam town, near Nambol town, in Manipur state (Kangleipak) 02.jpg
Smoked freshwater fish.JPG
Kangla Thon 7 Thollangmei.jpg
Makoi Fampak, a place for ornament fish view, in the Joysana Retreat, a resort in Oinam town, near Nambol town, in Manipur state (Kangleipak) 01.jpg
Nga Ataoba (alias Nga Atauba, Ngaa Taoba, Ngaa Tauba) - traditional Meitei oil fried fish dish - Classical Meitei cuisine 01.jpg

## Related pages 
* Lai Haraoba
* Meitei martial arts
* Meitei traditional games
* Meitei traditional toys
* Meitei traditional weapons

## References