Manipur Tableau Showcases 500-Year-Old World’s Only Women-Run Market At R-Day Parade | Watch

In the 75th Republic Day celebrations in the National Capital, Manipur showed it’s Ima Keithel, or “Mother’s Market, a 500-year-old market, the one and only in the world run entirely by women.

This was the central theme of the state’s tableau from Kartavya Path in Delhi.

The women-run market in Imphal serves as a classic example of “Nari Shakti,” where women’s central role in socio-economic activities drives the nation’s economic development. The women on the tableau were seen extracting delicate fibers from the lotus stems and making yarns using traditional Charkhas. A woman was weaving clothes using “Eyong,” a traditional Manipuri loom. The building at the end of the tableau is a replica of Ima Keithel. Ima Keithel fosters the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

They have gifted the world several internationally acclaimed products like Leirum, Moirang Phi, and Mayek-Naibi.

‘The thriving Ima Keithel and Bijiyasanti’s inspiring journey-transforming local lotus stalks into lotus threads for export while empowering local women-embodies the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local, Local for Global. Manipur offers a replicable model for women’s empowerment, paving the way for development into a “Viksit Bharat”.India celebrated the country’s Republic Day with an enthralling showcase of its military prowess and rich cultural heritage at the majestic ‘Kartavya Path’ in the national capital. Viksit Bharat’s rich cultural diversity, the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ military prowess, and the growing Nari Shakti are the dominating themes of the 90-minute parade that will be graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as Chief Guest.

Based on the twin themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’, this year’s parade witnessed the participation of around 13,000 special Guests – an initiative that provided an opportunity to people from all walks of life to take part in the celebrations and encourage Jan Bhagidari in this national festival.

According to officials, over 8,000 security personnel were deployed, and security was increased with the help of technology and human intelligence surveillance in Delhi.