The Cultural and Economic Contributions of the Ima Keithels in Sustaining the Livelihood of Women Vendors Article by Dr. Ningombam Chachaoba, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Waikhom Mani Girls' College, Thoubal A visit to the Ima Keithels (market) of Manipur reveals a story that goes far beyond trading of commodities. The three Ima Keithels of Manipur: Leimarel Sidabi Keithel, Emoinu Keithel, and Phouoibi Keithel are more than marketplaces; they are living spaces where women’s livelihoods, cultural traditions, and everyday lives intersect with each other. They are deeply rooted in Meitei traditions and associated with female deities; these markets reflect cultural beliefs connected with prosperity, agriculture, and abundance. Through the sale of handloom products, indigenous foods, vegetables, fish, and other local goods, rituals items and many more women preserve traditional knowledge and practices passed down through generations of all the communities liv...
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