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{{Short description|Overview of fish in Meitei civilization}}
{{Distinguish|Fishing in Meitei culture}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
[[File:Sangkhuleima and Yangkhuleima.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Women in Meitei culture|Co-wives]] catching fish and [[List of creatures in Meitei culture|other creatures]] in the [[Meitei folktale]] of [[Sandrembi Chaisra]]]]
[[File:Ngari-fish.png|thumb|[[Ngari (fish)|Ngari]], a food made of fermented fish, is a part of [[Meitei cuisine]].]]

[[File:A figure of an ancient Meitei fisherman (wearing a Khudei) trying to catch fish using a traditional Meitei wooden (bamboo) basket like cage (known as "long-oop" or "long-up" in Classical Meitei language) — MMRC, Thoubal, Kangleipak.jpg|thumb|A figure of an ancient Meitei fisherman trying to catch fish using a traditional Meitei wooden (bamboo) basket like cage (known as "long-oop" or "long-up") in [[Menjor Multipurpose Research Centre and Unity Park]]]]
In [[Meitei culture]], fish are very important and symbolize wealth, life, and nature's balance. Fish are a key part of [[Meitei cuisine|their food and traditional dishes]]. They also appear in [[Meitei folktales|stories]], [[Meitei festivals|festivals]], and [[Meitei religion|rituals]], showing their deep connection to nature and the water life of [[Manipur]] and other Meitei populated areas of [[Meitei people in Assam|Assam]], [[Meitei people in Tripura|Tripura]] as well as in [[Meitei people in Bangladesh|Bangladesh]] and [[Meitei people in Myanmar|Myanmar]].<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />
Among its numerous names, fish is commonly known as "Nga" (ꯉꯥ)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Common Indigenous Fishes of Manipur By Khuman|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=education.Science_and_Technology.Common_Indigenous_Fishes_of_Manipur_By_Khuman|access-date=2025-03-25|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> or "Lemlei" (ꯂꯦꯝꯂꯩ) in [[Meitei language]] (also known as [[Manipuri language|Manipuri]]).<ref name=":uchicago_fish">{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=H. Surmangol|date=2006|title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary (fish related terms)|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=Fish&matchtype=default|access-date=2025-03-24|website=dsal.uchicago.edu|publisher=[[University of Chicago]]|location=Chicago|pages=5–209|language=mni, en|publication-place=US}}</ref>

== As food ==
{{Further|Meitei cuisine|Fish as food}}

=== In cuisine ===
[[File:Dried freshwater fish.JPG|thumb|250px|Dried freshwater fish sold at the [[Ima Keithel]] market in [[Imphal]]]]
[[File:Assorted dried fishes.JPG|thumb|250px|Dried freshwater fish sold at the Ima Keithel]]
Meiteis regularly enjoy both fresh and preserved fish, and serve diverse fish dishes during feasts, gatherings, and special events. Popular fish varieties include [[Indian major carp]], exotic carp, [[boal]], and several species of [[Clarias|catfish]], [[Channa|snakeheads]], and [[Anabas|gouramis]].<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" /> Preserved fish, in the form of [[Ngari (fish)|ngari]] (fermented [[pool barb]]s), [[hentak]] (a fermented paste made with [[Indian flying barb]]s and [[giant taro]] stems<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Thapa |first1=Namrata |title=Ethnic fermented and preserved fish products of India and Nepal |journal=Journal of Ethnic Foods |date=March 2016 |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=69–77 |doi=10.1016/j.jef.2016.02.003 |doi-access=free }}</ref>), and smoked fish are found in almost every Meitei home.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance">{{Cite web|title=Tradition and Sustenance: The Importance of Fish in Manipuri Culture|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382869393|website=[[ResearchGate|researchgate.net]]|publisher=[[Indian Council of Agricultural Research]] (ICAR)-[[Central Institute of Fisheries Education]], Mumbai. Fisheries Resource Harvest & Post Harvest Management School of Fisheries [[Centurion University of Technology and Management]], Orissa}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
In Meitei cooking, spices like [[Allium tuberosum|Chinese chives]] ({{langx|mni|label=none|maroi nakuppi}}) and [[garlic chives]] ({{langx|mni|label=none|maroi napakpi}}) are commonly used to mask the fishy smell in curries. Ngari (fermented fish) is also added to neutralize fishiness and enhance flavor.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

Meitei fish dishes include:<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" /><ref name=":0" />

*Kangsoi: A boiled vegetable curry enriched with fermented and smoked fish.
*[[Eromba]]: A chutney mixed with fermented fish, and optionally, smoked or shallow-fried fish for extra flavor.
*Morok metpa: A spicy chutney made from chili and ngari or hentak, topped with cilantro and onion.
*[[Singju]]: salad made with fermented fish and various vegetables like cabbage, lotus roots, pea leaves, banana stem, Colocasia stems, and spring onions.
*Atoiba thongba: mashed fish curry.
*Nganam: steamed fish.
*Nga ayaiba: smoked fish.

== In mythology, folklore and religion ==
{{Further|Meitei mythology|Meitei folklore|Meitei folktales|Meitei traditional religion}}
Fish is very important in all stages of life, from birth to death. It plays a key role in every Meitei ritual, celebration, and offering.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

[[Ngaleima]] is the goddess of fish and other aquatic life in [[Sanamahism]] and [[Meitei mythology]]. She symbolizes the connection between the spiritual world and the life found in rivers, lakes, and seas.<ref name=":Lairenlakpam_14">Devi, Lairenlakpam Bino (2002). The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai. Mittal Publications. p. 14. ISBN 978-81-7099-849-5.</ref><ref name=":Anthropologist_40">The Eastern Anthropologist. Ethnographic and Folk Culture Society, U.P. 1974. p. 40.</ref>

[[Loktak Ima]] or Loktak Lairembi, a mother goddess, is believed to care for the fish in [[Loktak Lake]]. According to traditional Meitei beliefs, she is responsible for making sure that the fish population is always restored. Even if people catch a lot of fish from the lake, the fish never disappear completely. The goddess ensures that the fish population continues to grow and remain healthy.<ref>Krishna, Sumi (2020-11-29). Agriculture and a Changing Environment in Northeastern India. [[Taylor & Francis]]. pp. 78, 79. ISBN 978-1-000-08443-6.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mohanty|first=Trishna|date=2020-02-08|title=Manipur's Loktak lake chokes from a catastrophic project flagged off 50 years ago|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/manipurs-loktak-lake-chokes-from-a-catastrophic-project-flagged-off-50-years-ago/article30759633.ece|access-date=2025-03-25|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Ngamu thaba ===
''Ngamu thaba'' is a ritual in which a [[Ceylon snakehead]] ({{langx|mni|ngamu}}), which represents all fish species because of its good health, long life, and energy, is returned to the water, with songs or rhymes, on special dates in the lunar [[Meitei calendar]]. The ''ngamu'' is thought to have been created by nature before humans, making it a symbol of life and the natural world.<ref name=":ngamu">{{Cite web|title=ngamu|url=https://e-pao.net/epPageExtractor.asp?src=features.ngamu.html..|access-date=2025-03-25|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref name=":The_tradition_of_Ngamu_Usin">{{Cite web|title=The tradition of Ngamu Usin of the Meetei Race of Kangleipak|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.Discovery_of_Kangleipak.The_tradition_of_Ngamu_Usin_of_the_Meetei_Race_of_Kangleipak|access-date=2025-03-25|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref>

Ngamu thaba is practised in three main ways:<ref name=":ngamu" /><ref name=":The_tradition_of_Ngamu_Usin" />

* Meetam ngamu yhaba: During a [[Meetei marriage]] ceremony, two ''ngamu'' are released into a pond or river when the bride and groom exchange blessings, wishing them a happy and peaceful life together.
* Ushin nga-yhaba: a healthy, mature ''ngamu'' is released to represent a sick person. The fish is believed to take away the person's illness and bring them health and happiness.
* Chahong-ngahong nga-thaba: a ''ngamu'' is released to wish a person good health and a long life, similar to how fish live well in clean water. It is done with the help of a [[Maiba]] (a Meitei traditional singer) who sings special rhymes.

=== Ngamhai ===
A small ngamhai fish was swimming in the river when it saw Goddess [[Phouoibi]] walking towards the riverbank. Phouoibi didn't know how deep the river was, so she asked a deer on the other side if the water was shallow. The deer lied and said the river was not deep. Phouoibi tried to cross, but she couldn't swim and began to drown.<ref name=":MMR_Ngamhai">Roy, L. Somi (2021-06-21). And That Is Why... Manipuri Myths Retold. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-91149-65-9.</ref>

The little fish noticed Phouoibi struggling and quickly swam to her rescue. It helped her reach the shore of the other riverbank. Grateful for the fish's help, Phouoibi thanked it and gave the fish a special gift. She wished that it would shine brightly like a mirror in the clear water. Phouoibi also hoped that ballad singers would always praise ngamhai fish's silvery beauty whenever they told its story.<ref name=":MMR_Ngamhai" />

=== Shareng {{anchor|Sareng}} ===
In the [[Meitei folktale]] of [[Yenakha Paotapi]], a childless couple plays a riddle game, where the winner is rewarded with a Shareng fish ([[Wallago attu]], helicopter catfish). The husband presents a riddle about a four-spoked wheel, which the wife cannot solve. He explains the answer, and she then asks a riddle about something that cries when fed, which the husband correctly identifies as a "kaptreng." As a result, the wife owes him a fish. The fish serves as a playful prize in their tradition.<ref>B. Jayantakumar Sharma; Dr. Chirom Rajketan Singh (2014). Folktales of Manipur. p. 44-50</ref>

=== Holy and sacred fish ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Holy and sacred fishes
!Associated Meitei clans (of [[Yek Salai]]/[[Meitei confederacy]])
!Romanisation
! colspan="2" |Note(s)
|-
|Saareng Angaangba/Ngaahei
|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧꯖꯥ (ꯃꯉꯥꯡ)}}
|[[Ningthouja]] ([[Mangang]])
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=MANGANG YEK SALAI – Manipur Mirror|url=https://manipurmirror.com/mangang-yek-salai/|access-date=2025-03-25|website=manipurmirror.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
| rowspan="7" |<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.467297/page/n11/mode/1up|title=Sagei Salai Apoklon|last=Monihar|first=N.|date=2000|publisher=Internet Archive; Digital Library of India|location=India|language=mni}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466642/page/n140/mode/1up|title=Erat Thouram Thounirol Lairik|last=Neelbir|first=Sairem|date=2004|publisher=Internet Archive; Digital Library of India|location=India|pages=140|language=mni}}</ref>
|-
|Saareng Luwaoba/Ngaamu
|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯨꯋꯥꯡ}}
|[[Luwang]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=LUWANG SURNAME LIST – Manipur Mirror|url=https://manipurmirror.com/luwang-surname-list/|access-date=2025-03-25|website=manipurmirror.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Saareng Mureinaba/Ngaatin
|{{Script|Mtei|ꯈꯨꯃꯟ}}
|[[Khuman]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=KHUMAN SURNAME LIST – Manipur Mirror|url=https://manipurmirror.com/khuman-surname-list/|access-date=2025-03-25|website=manipurmirror.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Saareng Angouba/Ngaraa
|{{Script|Mtei|ꯑꯉꯣꯝ}}
|[[Angom]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=ANGOM SURNAME LIST – Manipur Mirror|url=https://manipurmirror.com/angom-surname-list/|access-date=2025-03-25|website=manipurmirror.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Saareng Naapu
|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯣꯢꯔꯥꯡ ꯁꯂꯥꯢ (ꯃꯣꯢꯂꯥꯡ)}}
|[[Moirang]] ([[Moilang]])
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=MOIRANG SURNAME LIST – Manipur Mirror|url=https://manipurmirror.com/moirang-surname-list/|access-date=2025-03-25|website=manipurmirror.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Saareng Ngaangna Laangba
|{{Script|Mtei|ꯈꯥ ꯉꯥꯟꯄ}}
|[[Kha-Nganpa]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=KHABA NGANBA SURNAME LIST – Manipur Mirror|url=https://manipurmirror.com/khaba-nganba-surname-list/|access-date=2025-03-25|website=manipurmirror.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Saareng Sangbaannana Laangba/Ngaaren
|{{Script|Mtei|ꯁꯂꯥꯡ ꯂꯩꯁꯥꯡꯊꯦꯝ (ꯁꯂꯥꯏ ꯂꯩꯁꯥꯡꯊꯦꯝ)}}
|[[Chenglei]] (Sarang / Salang / Salai Leishangthem)
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=SALANG LEISHANGTHEM – Manipur Mirror|url=https://manipurmirror.com/salang-leishangthem/|access-date=2025-03-25|website=manipurmirror.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

== In marriage ceremony {{anchor|In Meitei marriage}} ==
{{further|Meitei marriage}}
In Meitei marriage traditions, fish symbolize unity and the couple's shared journey. The ceremony starts with the groom's and bride's families releasing a pair of Ngamu (Channa spp.) into a water body. The fish swimming side by side reflects harmony and lifelong unity for the couple. However, if one fish moves away or behaves differently, it's seen as a bad sign. This ritual beautifully ties the natural world to human relationships, showcasing deep cultural values.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

In Meitei wedding traditions, the bride is gifted a special bamboo-woven basket called Ngarubak or Lubak, containing at least seven varieties of smoked fish. This gift marks the beginning of her new chapter. The basket usually includes Channa spp. (Ngamu), Pangio pangia (Nganap), Cirrhinus reba (Ngaton), Danio aequipinnatus (Ngasang), Lepidocephalichthys guntea (Nganap), Eutropiichthys vacha (Ngahei), Systomus sarana (Nganoi), and Amblypharyngodon mola (Muka nga).<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

Each fish is chosen for its symbolic meaning based on its local name:

* Nganap (Pangio pangia) represents lifelong togetherness.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />
* Ngasang (Danio aequipinnatus) signifies progress.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />
* Ngahei (Eutropiichthys vacha) stands for excellence.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />
* Nganoi (Systomus sarana) symbolizes wealth and prosperity.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

These meaningful names are believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the couple. On their wedding night, the newlyweds share Nganap fish (Pangio pangia or Lepidocephalichthys guntea), a tradition symbolizing their bond of lifelong unity. This ritual beautifully intertwines food with blessings and cultural values.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

=== Mapam Chakouba (5th Day Post-Marriage Ceremony) ===
After a wedding, the bride's family hosts a grand feast for the newlyweds and their families. Key dishes include fish curries made with fresh fish and Eromba (a dish with fermented fish). This event reflects the community's joy, hospitality, and their wishes for the couple's happy future.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

== In pregnancy and childbirth ==
{{Further|Women in Meitei civilization}}

=== Tha Mapan Sareng Pijaba (Third Trimester Pregnancy Ceremony) ===
During the expecting mother's 9th month, her parents organize a feast at their home to ensure her well-being. The feast features Wallago attu (Meitei-Sareng), a freshwater catfish, which is exclusively prepared for the mother-to-be. Leftover bones or scraps are ceremonially buried, symbolizing respect and care for the mother and unborn child.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

=== Eepan Thaba (Post-Birth Inaugural Ceremony) ===
On the 6th day after a baby's birth, a purification ceremony for both mother and child is held. It begins with offerings placed where the morning sunlight touches the floor, dedicated to [[Korouhanba]], the Meitei sun god. Offerings include garlands of dried fish like Ngakha (Pethia ticto), Phabou (Puntius chola), meitei-thum (salt cake), and ginger. Additional offerings to [[Emoinu]], the Meitei goddess, include raw rice, chili, fruit leaves (heibi mana), Colocasia stems (yendem), and dried Ngamu (Channa spp.). A [[Maibi]] (Meitei priestess) prepares Singju (a salad) on plantain leaves while softly uttering 'ku-ku-ku,' mimicking feeding sounds to bless the baby with a long and healthy life.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

=== Post-Partum Dietary Practice ===
After childbirth, Meitei mothers avoid oil-cooked foods and consume smoked or dried fish with salt and steamed rice for up to 12 days or longer. Fermented products like Ngari are avoided, but fresh Hentak is allowed due to its shelf life and non-fermented nature. Indigenous fish species like Pethia meinganbii and Pethia manipurensis are believed to aid the mother's healing during this period. The care for the mother reflects a belief that her skin is as delicate as her newborn's.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

=== Chagumba (First Food Feeding Ceremony) ===
This rite of passage marks an infant's first intake of solid food, usually at around six months. A priest or priestess selects an auspicious date for the ceremony. Soft rice, made with boiled rice, milk, and sugar, is prepared by the mother or grandmother. It's a festive occasion with family, friends, and neighbors celebrating with various fish dishes.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

== In death ceremony ==
{{Further|Meitei intangible cultural heritage}}

=== End-of-Life Ritual (Nga Tangba) ===
In Meitei culture, family members follow a vegetarian diet from the time of a loved one's death until the death ceremony, typically held on the 12th or 14th day. Following this, the Nga Tangba ceremony marks the return to non-vegetarian meals. A variety of fish dishes are prepared as part of this ritual, signifying closure and transition.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

== In traditional festivals ==
{{Further|Meitei festivals}}

=== Imoinu Iratpa {{anchor|Emoinu Eratpa}} ===
{{Main|Imoinu Iratpa}}
Dedicated to [[Imoinu]] ([[Emoinu]]), the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Imoinu Iratpa (also spelled as Emoinu Eratpa) festival reflects the cultural importance of fish. Sareng (freshwater catfish) or any white-colored fish and eels are the preferred offerings. Since Sareng is costly, wealthier individuals typically provide it, while others offer white or light-colored fish, showcasing the goddess's fairness and inclusivity, embracing both rich and poor. The festival is observed every year on the 12th day of the [[Meitei calendar|Meitei lunar month]] of Wakching, which usually falls in January.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipur celebrates "Emoinu Eratpa", offerings made to Goddess of wealth|url=https://www.uniindia.com/manipur-celebrates-emoinu-eratpa--offerings-made-to-goddess-of-wealth/east/news/2890688.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Emoinu fish festival celebrated in Imphal|url=https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/emoinu-fish-festival-celebrated-in-imphal|access-date=2025-03-25|website=www.easternmirrornagaland.com|language=en}}</ref>

=== Ningol Chakkouba ===
{{Main|Ningol Chakouba{{!}}Ningol Chakkouba}}
This annual festival strengthens the bond between married daughters (Ningol) and their paternal families. It revolves around a feast (Chakouba) featuring fish dishes, with fish curry made from premium varieties like Wallago attu and large-sized carps as the centerpiece. Fish farmers prepare for the festival by stocking ponds, while natural water bodies like [[Loktak Lake]] are often replenished with fish seeds to ensure ample supply for the celebration.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-11-02|title=Manipur's fish fair boosts local fish production amidst Ningol Chakouba celebrations|url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/manipurs-fish-fair-boosts-local-fish-production-amidst-ningol-chakouba-celebrations-1114855-2024-11-02|access-date=2025-03-25|website=India Today NE|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-10-24|title=Manipur Fisheries Minister H Dingo Announces To Bring Back 'Sareng' On Ningol Chakouba Menu {{!}} Ukhrul Times Media|url=https://ukhrultimes.com/manipur-fisheries-minister-h-dingo-announces-to-bring-back-sareng-on-ningol-chakouba-menu/|access-date=2025-03-25|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipur Gears Up For Ningol Chakkouba : 09th nov12 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=3..091112.nov12|access-date=2025-03-25|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref>

=== Cheiraoba ===
{{Main|Cheiraoba}}
Celebrated as the New Year in the [[Meitei calendar]], Sajibu Cheiraoba includes offering Channa orientalis (Ngamu fish) to the [[Meitei deities]]. This ritual seeks to ensure the family's well-being and protect them from misfortune, marking a fresh start to the year with hope and positivity.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />
On Cheiraoba, the priest ([[Maiba]]) performs the Usin divination ritual with Ngamu fish in front of [[Lainingthou Sanamahi]] to protect each family member from misfortune. The fish is then released into a pond. The priest observes its movement—if the fish stays calm and swims straight, it is considered a positive sign for the individual's fortune.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sajibu Cheiraoba The ritual festival of Meiteis By Budha Kamei|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Festival_of_Manipur.Sajibu_Cheiraoba_The_ritual_festival_of_Meiteis_By_Budha_Kamei|access-date=2025-03-25|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

=== Saroi Khangba (Ritual to Appease Dark Gods) ===
Observed during the month of Lamta (March), Meiteis believe dark gods hold stronger influence. On the first and last Saturdays of this month, women perform Saroi Khangba by offering mixed vegetable dishes like banana stem (laphu) and Colocasia stem (yendem), combined with fermented fish (Ngari) and smoked fish. The ritual takes place at the boundary of villages or colonies and serves as a symbolic act to appease the dark gods, substituting human lives and ensuring harmony and protection.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

== In earthquake ==
The [[Meitei people]] have a unique tradition tied to earthquakes. During such events, they utter the word "chak-nga," which translates to "rice-fish." This reflects their belief that rice and fish, essential for survival, should always be available during times of crisis. From a young age, children are taught to recite this word as a prayer to God whenever an earthquake strikes, emphasizing the cultural significance of resilience and sustenance in challenging times. It's a powerful reminder of the role food plays in their traditions and values.<ref name=":Tradition_and_Sustenance" />

== In popular culture ==
=== Emoinu Fish Fest ===
The [[Emoinu Fish Fest]] or Imoinu Fish Fair, held every January at [[Hapta Kangjeibung]], offers around 80,000 kilograms (in 2025), 50,000 kg (in 2023) of fish for religious and everyday needs during the [[Imoinu Iratpa]] festival. It also provides seasonal fruits and vegetables for rituals. Popular fish like Sareng are sold at affordable prices. Celebrated on the 12th day of the [[Meitei calendar|Meitei lunar month]] of Wakching, this fair honors [[Emoinu]] ([[Imoinu]]), the goddess of wealth, while supporting traditions and local farming.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-01-10|title=Manipur's annual Imoinu Fish Fair targets record 80,000 kg sale|url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipurs-annual-imoinu-fish-fair-targets-record-80000-kg-sale-1152632-2025-01-10|access-date=2025-03-25|website=India Today NE|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Fish Fest adorns Emoinu Eratpa|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/1/4/OSR-DIPRImphal-Jan-3-Fisheries-Minister-Heikham-Dingo-Singh-inaugurated-the-first-Emoinu-Fish-F.html#/google_vignette|access-date=2025-03-25|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Wooden artworks of aquatic creatures, displayed in the Joysana Retreat, a resort in Oinam town, near Nambol town, in Manipur state (Kangleipak) 02.jpg|Wooden artworks of aquatic creatures, displayed in the Joysana Retreat
File:ꯄꯦꯡꯕꯥ.jpg
File:Ingredients for making traditional Meitei food, Eromba (alias Iromba, Eronba, Ironba) - Classical Meitei cuisine of Kangleipak.jpg|Ingredients for making traditional Meitei food, Eromba
File:Ngari aka fermented fish..JPG|Ngari (fermented fish)
File:Smoked freshwater fish.JPG |Smoked fish
File:Nga Ataoba (alias Nga Atauba, Ngaa Taoba, Ngaa Tauba) - traditional Meitei oil fried fish dish - Classical Meitei cuisine 01.jpg|Nga Ataoba, a traditional Meitei fried fish dish
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Human uses of fish]]
* [[Fish in Chinese mythology|Fish in Chinese culture]]
* [[Lai Haraoba]]
* [[Meitei martial arts]]
* [[Meitei traditional games]]
* [[Meitei traditional toys]]
* [[Meitei traditional weapons]]

== References ==
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Arts|Asia|Bangladesh|Biology|Civilization|Food|Fish|India|Literature|Myanmar|Mythology|Poetry|Religion|Zoology}}

[[Category:Meitei folklore]]
[[Category:Meitei mythology]]
[[Category:Meitei cuisine]]
[[Category:Sanamahism]]
[[Category:Meitei festivals]]
[[Category:Meitei literature]]
[[Category:Fish in art]]
[[Category:Fish in culture]]
[[Category:Fish in popular culture]]
[[Category:Fish in religion]]
[[Category:Fish as food]]
[[Category:Culture of Assam]]
[[Category:Culture of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Culture of Tripura]]
[[Category:Culture of Myanmar]]

Fish in Meitei culture - Revision history

Raj kumar at 06:44, 3 May 2026