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***.

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.

## 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.

### 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.
### 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.

## 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.

## Associations and organizations 
* BMSA (Bangalore Manipur Students Association)

## 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