Ningthoukhong is a town in Bishnupur district in the Manipur state of India. It has a Municipal Council with fourteen wards which supervises its administration. Ningthoukhong is a small but flourishing city. The town has many schools, colleges and industries providing good employment and income opportunities to the residents. It has a shopping centre named `Ningthoukhong Bazaar` which is a small yet a wonderful market in Manipur.
Population of Ningthoukhong
As per the census report of year 2001, Ningthoukhong has a total population counting of 10,446. Interestingly, in Ningthoukhong, both male and female residents are in equal proportion. And children who are below six years of age constitute 14 % of the population.
Economy of Ningthoukhong
Economy of Ningthoukhong is quite significant. In comparison to various other places of the state per capita income of the people is quite high.
Literacy of Ningthoukhong
Ningthoukhong has an average literacy rate of 67% as per 2001 India census. A gap exists between male and female literacy rates. The inclination of males towards education is evident from its high literacy rate, which comprises of 75 %. Female literacy is as low as 58 %.
Festivals of Ningthoukhong
There are various festivals that are organized in Ningthoukhong.
Lai Haraoba: This is a local festival celebrated on top of the Khoriphaba Hill. Lai Haroba which means "merry making of the Gods" is dedicated to the ancient deity of the tribe. There are six major types of Lai Haraoba hence the festival is celebrated in six cultural manners including Kanglei Haraoba, Chakpa Haraoba, Andro Haraoba, Sekmai Haraoba, Moirang Haraoba, and Kakching Haraoba. The festival is generally celebrated for 10 to 15 days and at times even 30 days. The festival is an amalgamation of prayers, songs, dance, traditional sport competitions etc. A popular song called `Lai Haraoba Ishei` is played mainly during the festival.
Cheiraoba Festival: Cheiraoba festival is a `festival of joy` and is celebrated in the month of April by almost all the tribes. During this festival, people decorate their houses and made offerings for deities. The typical feature of this festival is that the villagers climb the nearby hilltops and believe that it enables them to rise to heights in their worldly life.
Ningol Chakouba: This is a family bonding festival and is celebrated in the month of November. This festival is mainly celebrated by the Meitei community where the married women are invited for a feast at their parental house along with their children.
Religious Places of Ningthoukhong
It is an important religious town for the Vaishnavite sect. In Ningthoukhong, pious residents admire in great awe various local gods and goddesses of Manipur state. Ibudhou Thangnarel, Ibudhou Oknarel, and Ibudhou Panganba are some of the deities who deserve mention. The town also has temples of these three deities. Gopinath Mandir and Radha Mandhop are some of the temples of Hindus, which are located in Ningthoukhong.
Connectivity of Ningthoukhong
Ningthoukhong town is well connected with other places. Silchar Railway Station is the nearest station which lies 180 km from Imphal.
