Moirang

45 kms. from Imphal, and situated near the Loktak lake, this town is one of the main centres of early Meitei folk culture with the ancient temple of Lord Thangjing situated here. In the month of May, men and women, dressed in colourful traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang "Lai Haraoba" which is a ritual dance festival held every year. This town also has a special place in the history of the Indian Freedom struggle. It was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14, 1944. The INA Museum contains letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia reminding visitors of the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the charismatic leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.