Jiribam, also known as Jiri in Manipuri language, is a tiny strip of plain at the westernmost edge of the Indian state of Manipur. The meeting point of Meitei and Indo Aryan cultures, Jiribam is also the sole railhead to Manipur. Jiribam plain is geographically an eastern extension of the Barak river plains in particular and the Ganga-Brahmaputra river plains in general. Though separated from the Imphal Valley, by the Manipur hills, its demographic feature resembles that of the Imphal Valley, with Meitei population dominating the region, and tribals and immigrants as minority groups.
Understand
[edit]According to the official Jiribam district website, the region has several essential public utilities. There are four banks serving the area—Bandhan Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, and Manipur State Co‑operative Bank. Jiribam has one college called Jiri College, and electricity is provided by the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL). Healthcare needs are met by the District Hospital Jiribam. The Jiribam Municipal Council manages local governance, and postal services are handled by the Jiribam Sub Post Office.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]- 1 Jiribam NFR . The only active railway station in Manipur.
By other terrestrial means of transport
[edit]Passenger services for cars, buses, or taxis are available, from Imphal to Jiribam inside Manipur, or from Silchar (of Assam) to Jiribam. For bus service, one can visit the Interstate Bus Terminus of Imphal. For others, one can contact private or government run taxi services.
By airways
[edit]By helicopter
[edit]Passenger service in helicopter to and from Imphal is available. Pre-booking is recommended because it is limited in flight and demands are high.
By aeroplane
[edit]Nearest airports are the Silchar Airport in Assam and the Imphal International Airport (alias Bir Tikendrajit International Airport) in Imphal.
By waterways
[edit]Boats are available in the Jiri river to go to Jiribam from neighborhood towns and villages in the bordering state of Assam.
Get around
[edit]
- Nongshaba Gate (Nongsaba Gate)
- Ningshingkhul Biodiversity Park
- Nehru Statue Pailapool
- Saisel Waterfall
- Statue of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot
- Barak River
See and do
[edit]- Lai Haraoba (traditional Meitei holy and sacred dance and music festival related to Sanamahism, in honor of Umang Lai nature gods and goddesses)
- Thang Ta (traditional Meitei martial art form)
- Boating in the Jiri river
- Fishing in the Jiri river
- Photography and videography of the agricultural farmlands of Jiribam plains
- Exploring sacred sites for Sanamahism and Hinduism
Buy
[edit]- Traditional Meitei clothes like Innaphi/Ennaphi (to cover the upper body of womenfolk), Phanek/Fanek (to cover the lower body and sometimes torso of womenfolk), Khudei and Pheijom/Feijom (to cover the lower body of menfolk), Lengyan Phi (to adore the shoulder of menfolk), etc.
- Kouna handicrafts (in the forms of carry bags, purses, accessory bags, hats, caps, chairs, mats, decorative items, etc)
- Laidhibi / Laidhi dolls (traditional Meitei toys in the form of female figures)
- Senphu / Semphu (traditional Meitei terracotta or cloth made money container made in different shapes, mostly in the idol of Imoinu, the Meitei goddess of wealth and prosperity)
Eat and drink
[edit]- Kabok (traditional Meitei snacks made of cereals)
- Waatin / Watin (traditional Meitei snacks made of wheat)