Longpi
Longpi
Longpi Lori | |
|---|---|
town | |
| Population | |
| • Total | 4,000 |
Longpi (pronounced as “long-pee”) is a general reference to two villages (Longpi Kajui and Longpi Khullen) in Ukhrul District in Manipur. Longpi is located at 25°06′N 94°17′E / 25.10°N 94.29°E. Longpi is about 37 kilometers north of Ukhrul, connected by National Highway 150 (Imphal-Kohima via Ukhrul and Jessami Highway). The two villages together have a population of over 4000.
Longpi is flanked by Khamasom and Sihai in the east, Lunghar in the south, Phungcham, Paorei, Peh in the west and Kalhang in the North.
Origin
The name 'Longpi' means 'group lodge' in Tangkhul dialect. Local myths suggests that the name was coined based on the strategic location of the two village. It is said that the two villages serve as transit point for travelers in olden days. Before the introduction of common salt, people from all over Tangkhul country goes to Kalhang, Marem and Marangphung to fetch salt water and baked salt. It was during these travels that people stop over at Longpi for the nights and were treated as guests by the people of Longpi. The place thus came to be known as 'group lodge' or Longpi.
The two villages used to be under a single chief. The village got bifurcated with almost half of the populace moving further east somewhere in the early eighteenth century. The main reason for the mass migration could be to cultivate more of the inherited land that lies further east.
Longpi Pottery
Longpi is famous for age old pottery making locally called Longpi Ham. It is believed that Longpi ham used to be the main cooking utensil among the Tangkhuls before the advent of aluminum pots. Longpi ham as of today has attained national and international popularity. Longpi pottery is one unique art where the potters do not use the potter's wheel.
Longpi ham is made from a mixed paste of ground black serpentinite stone and a special brown clay. As claimed by the locals, the clay is native to only Longpi village. After the pots are shaped, polished and sun dried they are heated in a bonfire and thereafter polished with a special tree leaf locally called Chiron ni. The black color of Longpi ham is a result of polishing the heated earthen pots with the tree leaf. Pottery is the secondary occupation of the populace and also is the main source of income for the artisans.
People
Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people. 99 percent of the population are Christians. Longpi has three high schools, Holy Spirit School, Raphei High School and Worrin School. Raphei High School is one of the oldest high schools in Ukhrul district. Holy Spirit School is run by the Catholic parish and Worrin school is run by the Baptist Mission of North Tangkhul region. Literacy rate of Longpi is 75%.
Festivals
Longpi is one among the few villages within the Tangkhul tribe that still celebrate the Seed Sowing festival (Luira Phanit) in strict adherence to indigenous and traditional rituals. Luira cuisine of Longpi consists of pork cooked in large Longpi ham in moderate temperature overnight with lots of chilli powder. Local beer and local wine are also served as part of the Luira menu. Cooked pork pieces for the festival are normally the size of human palm. Guests during the festival are invited to tour the village and partake in the tasting of dishes and wine placed outside every house in the village. The festival is a major tourist attraction celebrated in the month of January.
Vegetation
Longpi is home to various species of both common and rare flora and fauna. Rice is the main crop and corn, potato, cabbage, pulses are grown as cash crops.