Photo spot in Imphal
Ima Keithel
Imphal, Manipur
The 'Mother's Market' — a centuries-old bazaar run entirely by thousands of women (imas), selling textiles, phaneks, produce, fish and handicrafts across three great halls.
Best time
Morning, when the stalls are full and the soft light in the halls is kind to faces and colourful textiles.
Best angle
Stand at the end of an aisle and take a long shot down the rows of imas and their stalls, after asking before any close portrait.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ima Keithel
Morning, when the stalls are full and the soft light in the halls is kind to faces and colourful textiles. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ima Keithel
Stand at the end of an aisle and take a long shot down the rows of imas and their stalls, after asking before any close portrait. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Among the textile stalls
At the market halls
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ima Keithel
For photos at Ima Keithel, maroon, cream and green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Imphal.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Ima Keithel.
Eat nearby
Food near Ima Keithel
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for eromba nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Go in the morning, when the stalls are full and the light in the halls is softer.
Always ask the imas before you take their photo, and accept a no.
Buy something small first, as traders are often happier to chat and pose afterwards.
Look for handwoven phaneks and innaphi shawls in the textile section.
Carry cash in small notes, as many traders do not take cards.
Expect strong smells in the fish and ngari section, and walk through it anyway.
Keep your bag close, as the aisles get very crowded.
About Ima Keithel
Ima Keithel, the "Mothers' Market", is a market in the centre of Imphal run entirely by women. Several thousand traders, the imas, sell from three large halls with sloping, pagoda-style roofs. Its history goes back to the 16th century, when men were often called away for military service and public work, and women ran trade in the valley.
Inside you will find handwoven phaneks and shawls, fresh vegetables and herbs, fish, black rice, pottery and household goods. The halls were badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake and later rebuilt. The market is also a centre of social and political life in Imphal, and it is one of the best places in the city to see everyday Meitei life up close.
Questions
Ima Keithel — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ima Keithel?
Morning, when the stalls are full and the soft light in the halls is kind to faces and colourful textiles. Stand at the end of an aisle and take a long shot down the rows of imas and their stalls, after asking before any close portrait.
Is there an entry fee at Ima Keithel?
Entry to Ima Keithel is free.
What are the opening hours of Ima Keithel?
Ima Keithel is open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Ima Keithel?
Maroon, cream and green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ima Keithel get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: morning, when the stalls are full and the soft light in the halls is kind to faces and colourful textiles.
What food should I try near Ima Keithel?
Try eromba, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Ima Keithel famous for?
Ima Keithel is famous for being run entirely by women. It is one of the largest women-run markets in Asia, with several thousand traders selling textiles, food and crafts in three large halls.
What can I buy at Ima Keithel?
Good buys include handwoven phaneks and innaphi shawls, black rice (chak hao), local spices, bamboo and cane items and small pottery pieces.
Can men shop at Ima Keithel?
Yes. Everyone can shop there. Only the traders are women, as stalls at the market are held by married women.
How much time do I need at Ima Keithel?
Allow 1–2 hours to walk through all three halls, shop and take photos. It is close to Kangla Fort and the Govindajee Temple, so it is easy to visit all three in one day.