Ima Market – Imphal, India - Atlas Obscura
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Ima Market

Imphal, India

Established in the 16th century, this "mother's market" is run entirely by women. 

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Market exterior with the Manipur state flag evilolive (Atlas Obscura User)
Market exterior with the Manipur state flag evilolive (Atlas Obscura User)
Market exterior at dusk evilolive (Atlas Obscura User)
Colorful vendors selling textiles evilolive (Atlas Obscura User)
Inside one of the tall market buildings evilolive (Atlas Obscura User)
Square between market buildings at dusk evilolive (Atlas Obscura User)
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A brightly-colored bonanza of shopping, the Ima or “Mother’s” Market covers three large buildings in the city of Imphal, India. Established in the 16th century, the market hosts around 5,000 vendors who sell a variety of products, from fruit and vegetables to seafood and spices to toys and textiles.

Like so many things in India, the market is administered by a union, in this case, made up of all of its vendors. There are a vast number of public markets in the country, but this one stands alone in both its composition and its dedication to representing women-owned businesses.

Know Before You Go

The market can get quite busy, but it's an excellent place to buy authentic local wares in a controlled setting.

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