The days of Yaoshang are a festive time in Imphal. The entire city is caught up in the celebration. Young girls man ropes across the streets demanding a small “tax” to pass, while marauding groups of young boys and teenagers roam the streets armed with water balloons, buckets, and dye looking to rain down a festive greeting of wet color on the citizens of Imphal. Neighborhoods gather together for carnival like games and competitions, and in the evenings the young adults and the young at heart gather at one of the many sites throughout the city for traditional line dances which last late into the night.
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