Lamjei is athletic event held annually in Manipur. The race is held strictly for the pannas (Revenue / Administrative Units) and duration of the event is half a mile. The race begins with two pannas taking part in the first competition. The winner of the race then has to compete with the next player waiting in the wings. This carries on till all the athletes take part. The final winner is the person who wins the race of the year. The victorious player has to touch the kanglasha or the dragon placed inside the palace enclosure and only then can he be anointed as the winner. The players who have won Lamjeis previously are also allowed to take part in the annual event. Winners are excused from their state duties for a particular amount of time.