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{{Short description|Meiteis in the American continents}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Meiteis in the Americas<br />(Manipuris in the Americas)
| native_name = [[File:Meitei transliteration of the term "Meitei".jpg|50px|]]
| native_name_lang = mni
| flag = Flag of Kangleipak.svg
| flag_caption = Meitei cultural flag
| image = 
| image_caption =
| image_alt =
| image_uprigh =
| total = 
| total_year = 
| total_source = 
| total_ref = 
| total1 = 
| total1_year = 
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| genealogy = {{IND}}, {{BAN}}
| regions = {{USA}}, {{CAN}}, {{MEX}}

| languages = [[File:Meetei Mayek letter I.svg|20px]] [[Meitei language]] <br />{{small|(officially known as [[Manipuri language]])}}<br />[[English language|English]] ([[American English|American]] & [[Canadian English|Canadian]]), [[Mexican Spanish]], [[Canadian French]]<br />and other [[Languages of India|Indian languages]]
| religions = [[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]] & [[File:The Symbol of Sanamahi.svg|20px]] [[Sanamahism]]
| related_groups = other [[Indian Americans]] and [[Bangladeshi Americans]]
| footnotes =
}}

The [[Meitei people]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯀꯥꯡꯂꯨꯞ}}), also known as the [[Manipuris]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯃꯤꯌꯥꯝ}}),<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meitei {{!}} Manipur, People, Culture, & Language {{!}} Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Meitei|website=www.britannica.com|language=en}}</ref> originating primarily from the [[northeast India]]n state of [[Manipur]] and to a lesser extent from [[Meitei people in Bangladesh|Meitei populated areas of Bangladesh]], constitute a small but gradually expanding diaspora in [[the Americas]], notably in the [[Meitei people in the United States|United States]] and [[Meitei people in Canada|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 [[Meitei culture|their cultural identity]]. Expressions of Meitei heritage—through cinema, [[Meitei cuisine|cuisine]], dance, music, and [[Meitei festivals|festivals]]—are occasionally presented on community and international platforms in the region.<ref name=":Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121" />
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.<ref name=":Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121" />

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.<ref name=":Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121" />

== Canada ==
{{Main|Meitei people in Canada}}

The Meitei people form a distinct diaspora community in Canada, primarily originating from the Indian state of Manipur and [[Meitei people in Bangladesh|regions of Bangladesh]].<ref name="PR MAC 20100916">{{Cite web|title=PR MAC 20100916|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2010.PR_MAC_20100916}}</ref><ref name="e-pao.net">{{Cite web|title=MAC offers help to Manipuri students : 14th feb25 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=34..140225.feb25}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ningol Chakouba festival 2014 celebration in Montreal Canada 20141029|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2014.Ningol_Chakouba_festival_2014_celebration_in_Montreal_Canada_20141029}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|title=Ningol Chakkouba celebrated in Canada : 01st oct21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=51..011021.oct21}}</ref>

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.<ref name="PR MAC 20100916"/><ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|title=Manipur diasporas biennial convention held : 06th jul13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=13..060713.jul13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ningol Chakouba festival 2014 celebration in Montreal Canada 20141029|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2014.Ningol_Chakouba_festival_2014_celebration_in_Montreal_Canada_20141029}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite web|title=Canadian Manipuris keep alive their roots : 06th jul13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=30..060713.jul13}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceD">{{Cite web|title=news section channel >>Press Release ~ E-Pao! News About Manipur|url=https://e-pao.net/epPrinter.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2013.Second_Biennial_Convention_of_Manipuri_Association_of_Canada_2013_20130705}}</ref> The community also engages actively in literature, media, and cinema, with Meitei films being featured at notable Canadian film festivals.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Nine Hills One Valley' listed for Canada event : 12th jun22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=39..120622.jun22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Dutta|first=Suyesha Dutta, Suyesha|title=International South Asian Film Festival Canada: Boong|url=https://www.asiapacific.ca/publication/international-south-asian-film-festival-canada-boong|website=Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Boong – Opening Night Feature|url=https://isaff.ca/events/boong/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Boong|url=https://tiff.net/events/boong|website=TIFF|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=BACHASPATIMAYUM|first=SUNZU|date=2024-09-14|title=Cinematic Triumph 'Boong' Premiered at Toronto International Film Festival » Imphal Review of Arts and Politics|url=https://imphalreviews.in/cinematic-triumph-boong-premiered-at-toronto-international-film-festival/|website=imphalreviews.in|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title="Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani-backed film Boong to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival"|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/farhan-akhtar-and-ritesh-sidhwani-backed-film-boong-to-premiere-at-toronto-international-film-festival/cid/2036350}}</ref> Organizations like the Manipuri Association of Canada support students and advocate on issues such as immigration and travel permits,<ref name="e-pao.net"/><ref name="ReferenceB"/><ref name="ReferenceC"/><ref name="ReferenceD"/> while also organizing cultural and fundraising events that connect the diaspora with their roots in Manipur.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ningol Chakouba festival 2014 celebration in Montreal Canada 20141029|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2014.Ningol_Chakouba_festival_2014_celebration_in_Montreal_Canada_20141029}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ningol Chakouba celebration in Montreal, Canada on November 29, 2015|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epGallery.asp?id=1&src=Festival/NingolChakouba/NCCanada20151129}}</ref>

Religiously, Canadian Meiteis practice [[Sanamahism]] and [[Hinduism]], commemorating significant historical events related to their traditions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puya Meithaba Observation at Montreal Canada 20130205|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2013.Puya_Meithaba_Observation_at_Montreal_Canada_20130205}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sarita, Waheeda win Police meet golds : 12th aug09 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Sport1..120809.aug09}}</ref>

== USA ==
{{Main|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.<ref name=":Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121">Routledge Handbook of Asian Diaspora and Development. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121</ref><ref name=":24th_NAMA_Annual_Convention_Report_2015">{{Cite web|title=24th NAMA Annual Convention Report 2015 20150716|url=https://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2015.24th_NAMA_Annual_Convention_Report_2015_20150716}}</ref>

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]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯉꯣꯜ ꯆꯥꯛꯀꯧꯕ}}) and [[Yaoshang]] ({{Script|Mtei|ꯌꯥꯎꯁꯪ}}), perform classical Manipuri dances, and maintain [[Meitei cuisine|Meitei culinary traditions]] involving dishes like Eromba ({{Script|Mtei|ꯏꯔꯣꯝꯕ}}) and fermented delicacies.<ref name=":Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121" /><ref name=":24th_NAMA_Annual_Convention_Report_2015" /> 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]].<ref name=":Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121" /> Additionally, efforts to sustain [[Meitei literature]] and language continue, although younger generations tend to be more comfortable with English.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipuri Literature Event In New York City 200607|url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Top_Stories.Manipuri_Literature_Event_In_New_York_City_200607}}</ref><ref name=":Taylor & Francis, 2021. p. 107-121" />

== 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 ({{Script|Mtei|ꯕꯁꯟꯇ ꯔꯥꯁ}}), Pung Chollom ({{Script|Mtei|ꯄꯨꯡ ꯆꯣꯂꯣꯝ}}), and Dhol Chollom ({{Script|Mtei|ꯙꯣꯜ ꯆꯣꯂꯣꯝ}}). The troupe had 7 women and 8 men and was supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).<ref name=":Manipuri artistes wow audience in Mexico">{{Cite web|title=Manipuri artistes wow audience in Mexico : 25th oct18 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=21..251018.oct18|access-date=2025-06-18|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

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.<ref name=":Manipuri artistes wow audience in Mexico" />

== See also ==
{{Portal bar|Americas|Asia|Bangladesh|Canada|India|Mexico|North America|Society|South America|USA}}

* [[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]]

== References ==
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Meitei people]]
[[Category:Canadian people of Asian descent]]
[[Category:Indian diaspora]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi diaspora]]
[[Category:Canada–India relations]]
[[Category:Bangladesh–Canada relations]]
[[Category:Indian diaspora in Canada]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi diaspora in Canada]]
[[Category:Canadian people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:Canadian people of Bangladeshi descent]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Canada]]
[[Category:India–United States cultural relations]]
[[Category:Bangladesh–United States relations]]
[[Category:Diasporas in the United States]]
[[Category:Indian diaspora in the United States]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States]]
[[Category:American people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Bangladeshi descent]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in the United States]]
[[Category:Mexican people of Asian descent]]
[[Category:India–Mexico relations]]
[[Category:Bangladesh–Mexico relations]]
[[Category:Mexican people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Mexico]]

Meitei people in the Americas - Revision history

KarenCharley004: New A Details