Exploring Ima Keithal, a 500-Year-Old Market with over 5000 Traders – All Women Located at Bir Tikendrajit Rd, Thangal Bazar, Imphal, Manipur Ima Keithel Market in Imphal Manipur, is probably the only market in the world that is run by all women. While Ima Keithal’s exact origins remain unclear, scholars believe that the market dates back to the 16th century.

Only married women are allowed to trade and run the stalls in this multi-ethnic marketplace A privilege that is passed on from one generation of Manipuri women to the next. These women, some of whom come from really far-off villages, pay around ₹ 40 per month for the small space in which they display their wares.

Khwairamband Bazar is also known as Ima Keithel. In Manipuri Ima means mother and Keithel means market. So it is known as the mother’s market. These Imas dressed in Phaneks which resembles a sarong and Innaphis which is like a scarf go about their everyday business each day with their forehead marked with sandalwood.

Credit : safar stories #Business