Moirang Phee Woven Cotton Silk Bishnupur Manipur

Moirang Phee is a traditional cotton-silk mixed handloom fabric from Moirang in Bishnupur district, Manipur, woven on traditional backstrap looms by Meitei women as part of the broader Manipuri handloom tradition that encompasses mekhela chador sarees, traditional Manipuri dress fabrics, and ceremonial cloths. Moirang is historically significant as the seat of the Moirang kingdom and the location where the Indian National Army (INA) raised the national flag for the first time in 1944. Moirang Phee uses traditional Manipuri motifs including geometric forms, Lai (deity) patterns, and wangkhei phee (wangkhei fabric) patterns in natural cotton and silk blends on the traditional treadle loom. The fabric is used for traditional Meitei dress, temple offerings, and ceremonial gifts. Manipur handloom is supported through the Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation and NHDC. GI tag is under application. The Manipuri handloom tradition — including Moirang Phee, Mao Naga shawls, and Meitei mekhela chador — collectively employs 2.5 lakh weavers in the state.