Ema Keithel of Manipur

The only women market in the World

 

 

 

 

Views of  Ema Keithel

      Ema Keithel also known as Nupi Keithel in the Khwairamband Bazar of Manipur is the only market in the whole world run all by women. It is one of the oldest market of Manipur with its rich tradition. Built in around 1533 AD, the amazing Ema Keithel was borne out of a desperate will to survive more than a well planned economical set up. Earlier there was a form of human exploitation where men floks were deployed to work in far paddy fields, which left the women to look after the children. The trend of a bazaar run by women had continued to this day. Manipuri women plays a big role in the family from those days. In 2010, the three storey building of new Ema Keithel was inaugurated in Manipur.




New building of Ema Keithel

 

       All of our kinds of daily needs are sell in these markets. Main items found here includes handloom and handicrafts products, earthern pots, knives, shawls, puppets, all kind of dried fishes, vegetables, fruits, traditional dresses etc. are abundantly available throughout the year. Different women sells varied items. Roundly about 3000 women are sitted here in these three storey building of Ema Keithel.



Ema Keithel of Manipur

      In Manipur, the Ema Keithel is one of the most interesting markets. It is almost mandatory for people from Manipur to usually make once visit to the Ema Keithel before leaving Imphal to replenish themselves with local products. To visit once in these Ema Keithel is the wish of every tourists from abroad countries when coming to Manipur. It is the amazing place of Manipur towards the other countries.