Ngakha, the endangered tiny fish of Manipur

Ngakha [bitter fish]; scientific name: Pethia manipurensis

Ngakha

Ngakha is a small sized fish, endemic only to Manipur valley.

Not found anywhere in the world !!!

Once widely found in the lakes and ponds, now restricted to streams in the periphery of the valley.

A fish, known for its delicacy as food.

A fish, closely associated with the customary rites of Manipuris, be it marriage or ^*Ipan Thaba and many more …

The fish is sundried and is often used in the preparation of Hentak,

-a fermented fish paste of medicinal value.

The tiny- sized (1-1½ inches) creature is as ideal as aquarium fish

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 2010 declared the fish as Endangered species

Are we not concerned about this fish of cultural value ?

We should make people aware of this fact

And put our efforts to save this Endangered fish from Extinction.

^*Ipan Thaba is a customary rite for a newborn baby 

performed by Maibis (female spiritual practioner) or disciple of Umang Lai( A God of every locality of Meitei). It is performed on the sixth day of child birth. On this day, the rite performer teaches the mother’s child to taste the different types of food and essential items used daily by the Manipuris.The purpose of the rite is to make the child live healthily and blessed hereafter with prosperous life.

Ngakha is an essential component of this rite.

Ngakha is inseparable from the social customs of Manipuris.