Ima Market
Ima Keithel (English: Mothers' Market) | |
|---|---|
Different scenes of the Ima Keithel (Mothers' Market) of Imphal | |
| Nickname(s): Nupi Keithel (English: Women's Market) Khwairamband Keithel (English: Khwairamband Market) | |
| Coordinates: 24°48′29″N 93°56′06″E / 24.808°N 93.935°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Manipur |
| District | Imphal West |
| Named after | Meitei women |
| Languages | |
| • Colloquial | Meitei |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | |
| Management | Ima Keithel Union |
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The Ima Market (Meitei: Ima Keithel; literally, Mothers' Market), also known as the Nupi Keithel (English: Women's Market) or the Khwairamband Keithel (English: Khwairamband Market), is a women-only market in the middle of Imphal in the state of Manipur. It is the only market in the world run entirely by women. Inside the market, male shopkeepers and vendors are not allowed to sell anything. The Government of Manipur has announced that the male shopkeepers and vendors will be punished if their shops and vendors are found inside the market. It is a commercial center and a popular tourist attraction in the state of Manipur. It was established in the 16th century and hosts around 5,000–6,000 women vendors who sell a variety of products. Products such as vegetables, fruits, textiles, toys, fish, spices and utensils are available in the market. It is the largest all–women market in Asia.