When I first set foot in Manipur, I was immediately struck by its incredible diversity. Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, Manipur is a land rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. It’s home to various tribes under the Kuki and Naga umbrellas, each with its own unique practices and lifestyles. However, the most prominent ethnic group in the region is the Meitei, or Methi, people, who make up over 50 percent of Manipur’s population.
Among the many theories surrounding the origin of the Meitei, the most simplified and accepted one is that they are the result of various ethnic groups coming together over time, eventually forming a distinct ethnicity. Today, only a handful of Meitei tribe remain who follow the true indigenous culture and traditions, and I was fortunate enough to visit one such place—the Andro Village, situated about 25 kilometers from Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
This story is not just about the place but also about the people, the traditions, and the deep sense of belonging that resonates in this beautiful village. Let me take you on a journey through Andro Village, a place where time seems to have stood still, preserving the true essence of Meitei tribe culture.
Table of Contents
The Village of Andro: A Step Back in Time
Andro Village is one of the very few remaining places where the authentic Meitei culture thrives. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a serene environment, where the locals are actively engaged in traditional practices like fishing, weaving, and pig breeding. The first thing that caught my eye was the traditional Manipuri house, or “Yumpham.”
These houses are an architectural marvel, constructed from mud and bamboo, making them both sustainable and earthquake-resistant. Today, you might find some hybrid variations of these homes in a few places, but the original structures remain in the cultural heritage complex built in the village.
The Yumpham is believed to have originated during the creation of the Earth itself, constructed by Lai Ningthou, the nine male deities, and Lairembi, the seven female deities. The form of the house is said to be derived from the position of a man worshiping the sun, bowing down with his knees on the ground. The houses are built facing east, a direction that holds significant spiritual meaning for the Meitei people. The early morning period is dedicated to Mangang, the guardian of the morning, who protects the family. However, there is also a practical aspect to this orientation—the changing shadow of the sun on the veranda acts as a clock, helping the villagers keep track of time.
The Ancient Meitei Temple: A Glimpse into the Spiritual Heart of Andro Village
As I wandered deeper into the village, I discovered the Ancient Maithai Temple, a place that truly took my breath away. This temple is dedicated to the fire god, where it is said that a sacred fire has been burning since time immemorial—over a thousand years, to be precise. The flame is more than just a religious symbol; it represents the continuity of the Meitei culture, a testament to their unwavering dedication to their traditions.
Inside the temple, you can witness this eternal fire and marvel at the huge drums that are played during village celebrations. However, these ceremonies are strictly for the locals, and while outsiders can enter the temple, they must first be purified by water sprinkled through sacred leaves.
The fire itself is maintained by a unique system where every day, two households in the village are responsible for tending to it. The following day, two other households take over, and so on. It’s an incredible feat of communal responsibility and dedication. If, by some chance, someone were to neglect this duty, it is believed that the village would face destruction. Fortunately, this has not happened in the last thousand years, a fact that the villagers take great pride in.
Coiled Pottery: The Art That Binds the Village Together
After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of the Maithai Temple, I was eager to explore another aspect of Andro Village that is deeply rooted in Meitei tradition—coiled pottery. This ancient and unique pottery technique is a hallmark of the village’s cultural identity.
Unlike modern pottery, where a motorized wheel is often used, coiled pottery in Andro Village is entirely handmade. The process begins with sarai, or loops of clay, which are carefully stacked over each other. The artisans then beat the clay with their hands, molding it into the desired size and shape. The final step involves patting the pot with the back of the hand, which gives it a distinctive design that is not just beautiful but also tells a story.
This traditional method has been passed down through generations, and every piece of pottery is a work of art that embodies the spirit of the Meitei people. As I watched the artisans at work, I couldn’t help but be amazed by their skill and dedication to preserving this age-old craft.
A Taste of Tradition: The Story of Yu, the Traditional Rice Wine
No visit to Andro Village would be complete without experiencing Yu, the traditional rice wine of the Meitei people. While I could go on about this for hours, I’ll save the full story for another time. But let me just say that Yu is more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of hospitality and community.
In Andro Village, Yu is made with care and precision, following a recipe that has been handed down through generations. It’s brewed using locally grown rice and is often served during special occasions and festivals. Sharing a cup of Yu with the villagers was a bonding experience, a moment where I truly felt connected to the people and their culture.
The People of Andro Village: Guardians of Tradition
As I spent more time in Andro Village, I realized that the true beauty of this place lies in its people. The villagers are warm, welcoming, and deeply proud of their heritage. They are the guardians of a culture that is slowly fading away, and they take their role very seriously.
I had the privilege of interacting with many of the villagers, learning about their daily lives, their beliefs, and their hopes for the future. Despite the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world, they remain committed to preserving their traditions and passing them on to the next generation.
One of the most touching moments of my visit was when I was invited to participate in a village ceremony. Although I couldn’t capture it on camera due to the sacred nature of the event, the experience will stay with me forever. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the strength of the Meitei culture, a culture that has endured for centuries and continues to thrive in this small, secluded village.
A Final Thought: The Future of Meitei Tribe Culture
As I left Andro Village, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. I had witnessed something truly special—a culture that, despite the odds, has managed to survive and flourish. But I also felt a sense of responsibility. The Meitei culture is a treasure, one that needs to be protected and celebrated.
Through my travels and my channel, ShivaTells, I hope to share these stories with the world. Stories like that of Andro Village, where the past is very much alive, and where the future of an entire culture rests in the hands of a few dedicated individuals.
The journey to Andro Village was not just a trip; it was a lesson in resilience, community, and the importance of preserving our heritage. And as I continue my travels, I am more determined than ever to uncover and share the hidden gems of India, places like this that remind us of the richness of our culture and the strength of our people.
So, until next time, keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep celebrating the incredible diversity of our world. And if you ever find yourself in Manipur, make sure to visit Andro Village—a place where time stands still, and the true spirit of Meitei culture lives on.
Closing Thoughts: A Call to Adventure
Travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with people, understanding their stories, and being a part of something greater than yourself. Andro Village reminded me of the power of travel to open our eyes to the world around us, to the beauty that lies in the most unexpected places.
As I packed my bags and prepared to leave, I knew that this was not just the end of a trip but the beginning of a lifelong journey to explore, learn, and share the stories that make us who we are. And I hope that through my travels, I can inspire others to do the same.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Keep following ShivaTells for more stories from the road, more adventures into the unknown, and more glimpses into the heart of India. Until next time, stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep telling your own stories.