Meitei people in the Americas

Meiteis in the Americas
(Manipuris in the Americas)

Meitei cultural flag
(India, Bangladesh) India, Bangladesh (including those of ancestral descent)
Regions with significant populations
United States, Canada, Mexico
Languages
Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri language) English (American & Canadian), Mexican Spanish, Canadian French and other Indian languages
Religion
Hinduism & Sanamahism
Related ethnic groups
other Indian Americans and Bangladeshi Americans

The Meitei people (ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯀꯥꯡꯂꯨꯞ), also known as the Manipuris (ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯃꯤꯌꯥꯝ), originating primarily from the northeast Indian state of Manipur and to a lesser extent from Meitei populated areas of Bangladesh, constitute a small but gradually expanding diaspora in the Americas, notably in the United States and Canada. This population includes individuals who have migrated for educational, professional, and familial reasons. Within their host countries, Meiteis participate in multicultural settings while maintaining elements of their cultural identity. Expressions of Meitei heritage—through cinema, cuisine, dance, music, and festivals—are occasionally presented on community and international platforms in the region. Organizations such as the Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA), the North American Manipuri Association (NAMA), and the North American Bangladeshi Manipuri Society (NABMS) contribute to the development of the diaspora community. These associations facilitate cultural exchange, provide support networks, and promote community engagement among Meiteis in North America.

In the U.S., the Meitei community started moving there in the 1960s. Now, there are about 1,000 Meitei people living in different states. They celebrate festivals, share their culture, and take part in American life. In Canada, the Meitei community is smaller but still active. Some work in schools, hospitals, and other jobs. In Mexico, there is no large Meitei community. Most Meitei people who go there are part of cultural programs, like dancers or musicians, who visit for a short time and then go back to India.

Canada

Main article: Meitei people in Canada

The Meitei people form a distinct diaspora community in Canada, primarily originating from the Indian state of Manipur and regions of Bangladesh. Over the past few decades, they have gradually settled in Canadian cities like Montreal and Toronto, where they maintain their linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage. This community includes both first-generation immigrants and Canadian-born individuals of Meitei descent, contributing to Canada's multicultural landscape.

Their cultural presence in Canada is vibrant, encompassing traditional cuisine, dance, music, and festivals such as Ningol Chakouba, which reinforces familial bonds and cultural identity. The community also engages actively in literature, media, and cinema, with Meitei films being featured at notable Canadian film festivals. Organizations like the Manipuri Association of Canada support students and advocate on issues such as immigration and travel permits, while also organizing cultural and fundraising events that connect the diaspora with their roots in Manipur.

Religiously, Canadian Meiteis practice Sanamahism and Hinduism, commemorating significant historical events related to their traditions. They also actively participate in sports, with notable achievements like a gold medal win by a Manipuri athlete in boxing at an international event held in Canada.

USA

Main article: Meitei people in the United States of America

The Meitei people of the United States hail primarily from the northeastern Indian state of Manipur and parts of Bangladesh. Since the late 1960s, they have gradually migrated to the United States, beginning with students and skilled professionals seeking education and career opportunities. Over the decades, migration occurred in several waves, with the community growing steadily to around 1,000 individuals by 2020. Today, Meitei populations are spread across numerous states, including New Jersey, California, Texas, and Virginia, among others, where they have started to establish a vibrant presence.

Despite being a relatively small diaspora, the Meitei community in the U.S. actively preserves its cultural heritage through traditional cuisine, dance, festivals, and religious practices. They celebrate important cultural events like Ningol Chakouba (ꯅꯤꯉꯣꯜ ꯆꯥꯛꯀꯧꯕ) and Yaoshang (ꯌꯥꯎꯁꯪ), perform classical Manipuri dances, and maintain Meitei culinary traditions involving dishes like Eromba (ꯏꯔꯣꯝꯕ) and fermented delicacies. The community also contributes socially and economically by supporting relief efforts in Manipur, producing protective masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and promoting Meitei traditional games. Additionally, efforts to sustain Meitei literature and language continue, although younger generations tend to be more comfortable with English.

Mexico

Compared to the United States and Canada, there are fewer Meitei people living in Mexico. In 2018, a group of 15 Manipuri artists went to Mexico to perform at the 47th Festival International Cervantino, a cultural event. They performed Manipuri classical dances and music at eight different places, attracting large audiences. Their shows included famous dances like Basanta Ras (ꯕꯁꯟꯇ ꯔꯥꯁ), Pung Chollom (ꯄꯨꯡ ꯆꯣꯂꯣꯝ), and Dhol Chollom (ꯙꯣꯜ ꯆꯣꯂꯣꯝ). The troupe had 7 women and 8 men and was supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

This festival was special because India was the guest of honor for the first time, with 125 Indian artists from 10 groups performing. The Manipuri team, led by senior artist N Rina Devi, showcased their culture and helped make India’s participation the biggest ever from Asia in Latin America. Their tour ended on October 25 with a final performance in Contzacoalcos.

See also

• Meitei people in Australia
• Meitei people in Canada
• Meitei people in the United Kingdom
• Meitei people in the United States
• Meitei people in Bangladesh
• Meitei people in Myanmar
• Meitei people in Assam
• Meitei people in Meghalaya
• Meitei people in Nagaland
• Meitei people in Tripura