In Manipur, one would find the world’s only market that is run by women, aptly named Ima Keithel—‘Ima’ in Manipuri means mother and ‘Keithel’ stands for market. Every morning hundreds of Manipuri women dressed in their traditional innaphis (scarves) and sarong-like phaneks come to the market with their motley products that include vegetables and clothes.
Sitting in serpentine rows, they are a sight to behold. This Mother’s Market has long been a part of Manipuri tradition and, according to historians, dates back to the 16th century.
It is located in Imphal’s Khwairamband Bazaar and today it is regarded as one of the city’s unique travel experience.