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Ima Keithel (Women's Market), Imphal
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Ima Keithel (Women's Market), Imphal
Imphal's centuries-old women-only market, described as the largest all-women market in Asia, with around 5,000 to 6,000 vendors.
Ima Keithel, the Mothers' Market, stands in the Khwairamband Bazaar Complex in central Imphal on Bir Tikendrajit Road, west of Kangla Fort. It has three buildings with pagoda-style roofs. It is run by a union of its vendors, and only women who have been married at least once may hold stalls, with new vendors referred by a retiring one. Male shopkeepers and vendors are not allowed to sell inside. Around 5,000 to 6,000 women trade here, selling vegetables, fruit, fish, spices, utensils, toys and textiles, with the southern building mainly given to handloom items such as phaneks, handwoven sarees and inaphi. The market dates to the 16th century and moved into the current complex in 2010. Opening hours are not stated in my source, so go by day and check locally.
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