The Fisheries Department of Manipur will host its annual Imoinu Fish Fair on January 11 at Hapta Kangjeibung, offering 80,000 kilograms of fish to meet both religious and consumer needs.
Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo Singh announced that fish farmers from across the state, including remote districts like Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Chandel, will participate. The event will feature 120 stalls, with special spaces reserved for displaced persons.
Minister Singh highlighted the state’s progress in fish production, stating that concerted efforts between the fisheries department and farmers have led to a significant reduction in fish imports. The state’s dependence on external fish supplies has decreased, cutting import expenses from Rs 400 crore to Rs 200 crore annually.
The fair coincides with the sacred festival of Ima Imoinu Iratpa, dedicated to Ima Imoinu, the Meitei goddess of wealth and prosperity. It will serve as a one-stop destination for religious offerings, including fish, seasonal vegetables, and fruits required for the ritual celebrations. Popular local varieties like the Sareng fish will be available at affordable rates.
Taking place on the 12th day of the Meitei Lunar month of Wakching, the fair holds cultural significance and will run throughout the day, before evening rituals begin. Minister Singh urged local residents to support the fish farmers, emphasizing the fair’s role in preserving cultural traditions and promoting local agriculture.