The city's calendar is packed with vibrant cultural, religious, and commercial events.
* **Sangai Festival (November):** The biggest annual tourism festival in Manipur, held mainly in Imphal. It showcases the best of the state's art, culture, handloom, sports, and cuisine over ten days. * **Yaoshang (Spring):** The Manipuri version of Holi, celebrated over five days. It features traditional *Thabal Chongba* moonlight dances, sports meets in every neighborhood, and the splashing of colors. * **Ningol Chakouba (Autumn):** A beautiful family festival where married daughters are invited back to their parental homes for a grand feast and the exchange of gifts. * **Cheiraoba:** The Manipuri New Year, marked by climbing the nearest hill (like Cheirao Ching) to symbolize rising to greater heights in life. * **Rath Yatra (Kang):** Celebrated with great fervor, featuring the pulling of a massive chariot from the Govindaji Temple.
