The Manipuri's inspiration arises from the wondrous balance of the flora and fauna that abound in his environs. Almost 70% of the land is under forest cover. The stunning combination of wet forests, temperate forests and pine forest sustains a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life. Some of the world rarest orchids spring from this fertile soil. Denizens of the forest include the rare Hoolock gibbon, the snow leopard and slow loris. Indigenous to Manipur's rich natural heritage is the sanghai -the dancing deer that is facing extinction.

Manipur is reputed for its tradition of the arts. Weaving (done by the women) is a time-honoured occupation, fine-tuned to an art form with its intricate designs in the dazzling range of sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. Each home has a loom. Even the state's martial arts are recognised for their almost poetic traditions. The economic and fluid movements of the spear dance (takhousarol) and sword fight (thanhaicol) have a sinuous beauty. This playful, sports loving community is reputed for its indigenous version of Sagol Kanjei or polo (it was the first place in India to have evolved this sport of kings) , the Mukna Kanjei - wrestling-hockey and Yubi-Lakpi, a form of rugby played with a greased coconut.

Also known as the land of Radha and Krisha, Manipur has gifted to India's classical dance repertoire the lyrical Ras Leela dance that reenacts the love story of Radha and Krishna. The Lai Haraoba (Spring Festival) is also celebrated with the Manipuri's graceful movements in all dance forms. Even its expressive tribal folk dances are performed with traditionally aesthetic movements.