Chandel district General information
Chandel is a district of Manipur state in India. The district headquarters are in Chandel. Also located within this district is the town of Moreh, an important trade centre between Manipur and Myanmar.
History
The Chandel District (formerly known as Tengnoupal District) came into existence on May 13, 1974. The District lies in the south-eastern part of Manipur at 24o40' N Latitude and 93o50' E Longitude. It is the border district of the state. Its neghbors are Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) on the south, Ukhrul district on the east, Churachandpur district on the south and west, and Thoubal district on the north. It is about 64 km. away from Imphal. The National Highway No. 39 passes through this district.
Location
The district is inhabited by several communities. It is sparsely inhabited by about 20 different tribes. They are scattered all over the district. Prominent tribes in the district are Anal, Lamkang, Kuki, Moyon, Monsang, Chothe, Thadou, Paite, Maring and Zou etc. There are also other communities like Meiteis, and Muslims (Meitei Pangal) in small numbers as compared to the tribes. Non-Manipuris like Nepalis, Tamils, Bengalis, Punjabis and Biharis are also settled in this district.
The Moreh town, the international trade centre of the state, lies on the southernmost part of the district. When the Trans-Asian Super Highway comes into existence, Chandel district will be one of the gateways to the Asian countries.
Area
It is a hill district with an area of 3,313 sq. km. As per Census 2001, the population of the district is 1,34,462 (Male 67,965 & Female 66,497) and, the literacy rate is 42.73% ( Male 48.77% & Female 36.56%). The density of population per sq. km. is 41.
Even though considered as one of the backward districts, Chandel is not left behind when the safety of the nation comes. The names of Chara Nicholas Mayon, S. Gemithang, and NL Benaingvir Mayon, who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War, included in the list of Matryrs of India, will always be remembered by one and all.
Culture
1. Paite Dance
Kinds: Dak Lam, Jangta Lam, Phit Lam, Ton Lam, and Silam Lam
2. Thadou Kuki Dance
3. Tarao War Dance
Each tribal group has their own distinct culture and tradition in their dance, music, dress, customary practices and pastimes. The folk dances of the ethnic tribes captivate the beholders with their exotic costumes and simple but graceful rhythm.
The Maring tribe also inhabiting in this district are famous for their handicraft products. They are the main manufacturers of Likhai, Sangbai, Chengbon, Meruk (all containers), Morah (for sitting) and Long-up, Tengbol (for fishing), etc. which are made of cane and bamboo.
Every tribal group has distinct style of embroidery patterns on their dress.
Festivals
1. Anal Festivals
- Ikam
- Inhla
- Philthabla (Hunting & fighting festival)
- Mikhemphan (Collection of money & food)
- Sungkhomlkhan (Fencing of village boundary with religious significance)
2. Thadou Festival
- Chon (A great festival of Thadous. Subdivided into Sha-ai, and Chai-lai).
3. Kuki Festival
- Chavan Kut ( An important annual festival of Kuki tribes. Performed with great pomp and pageantry.)
4. Naga Festival
- Lui Ngai Ni (It is a Naga Seed Sowing Festival accompanied by various cultural activities and dances of Naga tribes.)
5. Monsang Festival
- Kum ether Borhin esha or Chanou Tangba (It is a Monsang custom festival for testing the newly harvested crops.)
6. Christmas
Christmas, the greatest festival of all the Christians, is observed for two days on 24th and 25th December. Prayers, reading of Gospels, singing of hymns, lectures on Jesus Christ, sports, and community feast etc., form the major part of the festival.
Flora and Fauna
Like other hill districts of Manipur, Chandel also has varieties of flora and fauna. Various kinds of orchids, ornamental plants and even numerous plants are abundantly grown.