Manipur · February/March
Yaoshang
Manipur's five-day spring festival of Thabal Chongba moonlight dances and Holi colours.
Quick facts
- Festival
- Yaoshang
- State
- Manipur
- Place
- Statewide (Imphal, Bishnupur, Thoubal)
- Month
- February/March
- Tribe
- Meitei
- Duration
- 5 days (full-moon of Phalguna)
- Best for
- CultureDanceSports
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About Yaoshang
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Editorial overview of Yaoshang pending fact-check.
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Festival highlights at a glance
- Thabal Chongba — moonlight circle dances of unmarried Meitei youth
- Yaoshang sports meets in every locality, from athletics to mei-hola
- Burning of the Yaoshang mei-thaba (straw hut) on the first evening
- Holi-style colour play across Imphal on the final day
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Why visit Yaoshang?
- Manipur's most joyful spring festival, blending Meitei and Vaishnava traditions
- Every neighbourhood becomes a stage — organic, un-ticketed access
- Ideal window for a Loktak Lake and Kangla Fort combined trip
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Festival history
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Origins and historical timeline of Yaoshang pending fact-check.
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Dates and venue
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Annual dates and official venue for Yaoshang 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 Yaoshang pending review.
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Main attractions
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Headline attractions list for Yaoshang pending verification.
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How to reach
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Travel routes to Statewide (Imphal, Bishnupur, Thoubal) 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 Statewide (Imphal, Bishnupur, Thoubal) in February/March pending verification.
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Accommodation options
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Accommodation guidance for Statewide (Imphal, Bishnupur, Thoubal) pending verification.
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Photography tips
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Photography guidance for Yaoshang pending review.
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Nearby attractions
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Nearby attractions near Statewide (Imphal, Bishnupur, Thoubal) pending verification.
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Festival gallery
A curated selection of photographs from Yaoshang. All images are placeholders until license-cleared festival-specific photographs are sourced — see our photography policy.
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Responsible festival etiquette
Yaoshang 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 Yaoshang held?+
Yaoshang is celebrated in February/March each year at Statewide (Imphal, Bishnupur, Thoubal), Manipur. It typically runs for 5 days (full-moon of Phalguna). Exact dates vary annually — check the state tourism board nearer the date.
Which community celebrates Yaoshang?+
Yaoshang is celebrated by the Meitei community of Manipur.
Do I need a special permit to attend Yaoshang?+
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 Yaoshang?+
Options range from state-run tourist lodges to homestays and boutique camps. Accommodation books out months in advance for marquee festivals; reserve early.
Is Yaoshang 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 Statewide (Imphal, Bishnupur, Thoubal) 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 Yaoshang 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 February/March? These festivals overlap or sit close to Yaoshang on the calendar.
Sekrenyi Festival
Angami Naga · Kohima, Nagaland
February
Reh Festival
Idu Mishmi · Roing & Anini, Arunachal Pradesh
February
Oriah Festival
Wancho · Longding District, Arunachal Pradesh
February
Losar Festival
Monpa · Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
February / March
Nyokum Yullo
Nyishi · Itanagar & Nyishi villages, Arunachal Pradesh
February
Wancho Oriah Festival
Wancho · Wancho villages, Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh
February/March
Plan this trip
Travel to Yaoshang with us.
Permits, transport, vetted homestays and on-ground guides — write to us and we'll shape an itinerary around Yaoshang.