Key Facts About Meitei Community

The Meitei people, also known as the Manipuri people, are the predominant ethnic group of Manipur State.

Key Facts About Meitei Community
Table of Contents☰

About Meitei Community:

  • The Meitei people, also known as the Manipuri people, are the predominant ethnic group of Manipur State.
  • They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of India and the sole official language of Manipur State.
  • Distribution:
    • The Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley region in modern-day Manipur, though a sizable population has settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. 
    • There is also a notable presence of Meitei in the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. 
    • The Meitei ethnic group represents about 53% of Manipur’s population.
  • Clans: They are divided into clans, the members of which do not intermarry.
  • Economy: Rice cultivation on irrigated fields is the basis of their economy. 
  • Religion: A majority follow Hinduism, while more than 8% are Muslims.

What is Yaoshang Festival?

  • It is celebrated by the Meitei people at the same time as Holi and is known as ‘Manipur’s version of Holi’.
  • The five-day-long celebration begins with the burning of ‘yaoshang’ (a small thatch hut/straw hut), which is constructed with bamboo and straws on the first day.
  • The highlight of the festival is the ThabalChongba, a traditional Manipuri folk dance where boys and girls hold hands and sing and dance in a circle. 
  • The festival marks the rejuvenation of the spirit of life and commemorates the birthday of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

 


Q1) Which are the major ethnic groups in Manipur?

Broadly speaking, three main ethnic groups are found in the State viz. Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo or Kuki-Chin or popularly the Kukis in short. The tribal groups (Scheduled Tribes) in Manipur are classified into two- the Naga and Kuki.

Source: Manipur: After Violence During Protest Marches, Curfew Imposed, Mobile Internet Suspended

Update Icon
Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Date IconLast updated on Sep, 2026

→ UPSC 2027 Notification will be released on 13 January 2027 at upsconline.nic.in.

→ Asian Games 2026 are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October.

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus here.

→ Download UPSC Model Answers for Mains 2026

→ UPSC Mains Question Paper 2026 is out now for Essay & GS Paper 1, 2, 3 & 4.

→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.

→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

Vajiram Content Team
At Vajiram & Ravi, our team includes subject experts who have appeared for the UPSC Mains and the Interview stage. With their deep understanding of the exam, they create content that is clear, to the point, reliable, and helpful for aspirants.Their aim is to make even difficult topics easy to understand and directly useful for your UPSC preparation—whether it’s for Current Affairs, General Studies, or Optional subjects. Every note, article, or test is designed to save your time and boost your performance.
UPSC GS Course 2027
UPSC GS Course 2027
₹1,80,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹65000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹27000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹14000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now