Manipur · October/November
Ningol Chakouba
The Meitei family festival where married daughters are invited home for a grand feast.
Quick facts
- Festival
- Ningol Chakouba
- State
- Manipur
- Place
- Meitei households across the Imphal Valley
- Month
- October/November
- Tribe
- Meitei
- Duration
- 1 day (second day of the bright half of Hiyangei)
- Best for
- Family cultureCuisineHeritage
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About Ningol Chakouba
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Editorial overview of Ningol Chakouba pending fact-check.
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Festival highlights at a glance
- Married Meitei women (ningol) returning to their parental homes
- Elaborate vegetarian and non-vegetarian Meitei thalis
- Gifts of clothes and money from brothers to their sisters
- Public Ningol Chakouba events hosted for widows and the elderly
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Why visit Ningol Chakouba?
- One of the warmest family-centred festivals in the Northeast
- A rare window into Meitei home cuisine — eromba, ooti, chagem pomba
- Falls right after Diwali — pairs with a Loktak floating-hut stay
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Festival history
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Origins and historical timeline of Ningol Chakouba pending fact-check.
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Dates and venue
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Annual dates and official venue for Ningol Chakouba pending verification with Manipur Tourism.
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Tribe and community
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Meitei community profile pending fact-check.
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Cultural significance
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Cultural and ritual significance of Ningol Chakouba pending review.
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Main attractions
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Headline attractions list for Ningol Chakouba pending verification.
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How to reach
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Travel routes to Meitei households across the Imphal Valley pending verification.
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Permit information
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Current Inner Line Permit / Protected Area Permit requirements for Manipur pending verification against the state tourism portal.
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Weather and best time to visit
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Typical weather notes for Meitei households across the Imphal Valley in October/November pending verification.
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Accommodation options
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Accommodation guidance for Meitei households across the Imphal Valley pending verification.
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Photography tips
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Photography guidance for Ningol Chakouba pending review.
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Nearby attractions
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Nearby attractions near Meitei households across the Imphal Valley pending verification.
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Festival gallery
A curated selection of photographs from Ningol Chakouba. All images are placeholders until license-cleared festival-specific photographs are sourced — see our photography policy.
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Responsible festival etiquette
Ningol Chakouba is a living cultural event hosted by the Meitei community. Please attend as a respectful guest, not a spectator.
- Always ask permission before photographing elders, priests or performers.
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees, especially around ceremonial spaces.
- Follow instructions from community elders and event organisers.
- Do not touch ritual objects, altars or sacred poles.
- Carry your waste back; avoid single-use plastics at venues.
- Buy directly from local artisans and homestays to support the host community.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Ningol Chakouba held?+
Ningol Chakouba is celebrated in October/November each year at Meitei households across the Imphal Valley, Manipur. It typically runs for 1 day (second day of the bright half of Hiyangei). Exact dates vary annually — check the state tourism board nearer the date.
Which community celebrates Ningol Chakouba?+
Ningol Chakouba is celebrated by the Meitei community of Manipur.
Do I need a special permit to attend Ningol Chakouba?+
Indian nationals visiting Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and parts of Manipur require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Check official state portals before travel.
Where can I stay during Ningol Chakouba?+
Options range from state-run tourist lodges to homestays and boutique camps. Accommodation books out months in advance for marquee festivals; reserve early.
Is Ningol Chakouba suitable for families?+
Yes — the festival is family-friendly. Be mindful of crowd density on main performance days and dress modestly out of respect for community traditions.
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Sample itinerary
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A sample 3–5 day itinerary covering arrival, festival days at Meitei households across the Imphal Valley and one day for nearby sightseeing will be added once routes are walked and verified with local operators.
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Tour packages
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Curated tour packages for Ningol Chakouba will be listed once partnerships with registered Manipur operators are confirmed. Pricing, inclusions and booking contacts are intentionally not generated.
Continue exploring
More festivals of Manipur
Performing traditions
Folk dances of Manipur
See the full Festivals of Manipur guide for the state-wide calendar, expeditions and travel advice.
Festival calendar
Other festivals around this time
Planning a Northeast trip in October/November? These festivals overlap or sit close to Ningol Chakouba on the calendar.
Plan this trip
Travel to Ningol Chakouba with us.
Permits, transport, vetted homestays and on-ground guides — write to us and we'll shape an itinerary around Ningol Chakouba.