Nupi Keithel Women Market is an upcoming film inspired by Nupi Keithel, directed by
Haobam Paban Kumar, directed by Rajesh Puthanpurayil is the historic women’s market of
Imphal that has been active for more than four hundred years. At dawn each day, thousands
of women, mothers, widows, and grandmothers gather here to sell fruits, fish, handwoven
baskets, and ritual ornaments. Beyond trade, the market represents survival, tradition, and
collective strength.
The film follows three women from different generations, observing their daily routines,
struggles, and moments of quiet resilience. Through their lives, the market is revealed as
more than a workplace; it is a space of solidarity and shared responsibility.
In moments of conflict and uncertainty in Manipur, the women of Nupi Keithel have stood
together to protect their land and values. This project reflects on how ordinary women
become voices of courage and conscience, guarding not just their families, but the future of
society itself.
