Ima Keithel (Market) a yearlong tourist's destination.

James Khangenbam *

Phouoibi Ima Keithel Imphal in April 2021 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Ima Keithel, Paona Keithel and Thangal Keithel are the central hub of wholesale market in Imphal. The market covers the heart of the Imphal City. Due to growing traffic a flyover was built years back connecting Uripok and BT Road but the town keeps growing.

The Naga Nala was also covered and a parking space came up adorn by small capsule size shops with go down in the adjacent locality. Nowhere in Imphal will one get cheaper products than this area.

The market also invites farmers from across the state to sell their products, everyday people from across the State throng the Market. A vegetable, fruit and fish market in Ima market also invites all the citizen in the municipality area to come out and buy edible items.

Early morning is a vegetable hub. Women vendors from across the State loaded with fish, vegetable, fruits, flowers land up to do their brisk business. Such is the character of the main market in Imphal.

In the day time one will find traditional handloom and handicraft products displayed colorfully. It is a prototype of a tourist's village where you get to find all ranges of meticulously designed traditionally made products.

It brings pride to the region when tourists choose Manipur as tourists' destination. A national pride with economic progress. Ima Market has been a tourist's destination. But as evident we do not find tourists having leisure time in the market.

Well tourism on a global society note brings good economy to the state through hospitality and many other services sector. It is a friendly economy and brings hospitality to the next level. But to achieve that what do we need.

Ima Keithel Imphal in September 2010 :: Pix - Deepak Shijagurumayum

A craft village, exotic cuisine, countryside trips, nature and landscape tour, traditional practices may generate the curiosity of many visiting tourists. Tourists' footfall in Manipur is recorded most for the second world war heritage sites including the INA Museum.

Also, for the famous Loktak Lake, Shiroi Lily, etc. International conferences, seminar, sport events held from time to time also pull in many visitors. The Sangai festival is a state sponsor annual tourism festival indicating the State's interest in promoting tourism.

While many efforts are laid and the State is improving in the sector. A small effort might change the whole outlook of the State. Just to tap some smile by Ima Market goers by blocking the vehicular movement at the road just adjacent to the three Ima Market also the adjoining lanes connecting the Ima Market Lane approaching from towards Paona Keithel and Thangal Keithel.

With no honks the shopkeepers and their customer will have a peaceful ear, ultimately giving peace and calm mind a chance. Also there are alternative roads for vehicular movements around the Ima Market, Paona Keithel and Thangal Keithel road main road. Waheng leikai road to Nagamapal road is a way out, Uripok to BT road through flyover is a way out.

Shop keepers and shop owners can keep their vehicles at a designated parking lot little away from the market and walk uptil their shops which would be good for their health. The ladies at the Ima Market does not park their vehicle next to the market, most of them came in a public transport or their family members drop them. Perhaps shopkeepers can also adopt their methods.

If people could walk in the market, it would be a great space not only for the tourists but for people living in the State as well, as sometimes it gives great pleasure to address the tourists mind within ourselves. One need not built a craft village; all magics are available at the Ima Market.

The curiosity and memory of the region is well crafted in Ima Market. It is a triggering point of several visits. Many came after researching the town and Ima Market is at the top of their priority lists.

If we manage a breathable market space by blocking the vehicular movement and allowing only to walk at certain road adjacent to Ima market, the story of a greater successful tourist destination is onboard. Perhaps it is already in the mind of the authority and we are going to realise it soon.