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The Bishnupriya Manipuris are a group of Indo-Aryan people that live mainly in parts of Manipur, Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh. They speak the Bishnupriya Manipuri language, which is of Indo-Aryan origin and is distinct from Bengali or Assamese. The most distinctive feature of the language is it replete with Tibetan-Burmese (Meitei) elements. The culture of the people is almost identical with that of the Meiteis, with the exception of a few folk practices which are prevalent among the Meiteis.
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Culture
The religious customs and traditions of Bishnupriya Manipuris are unique. They are organized in such a manner that in temple institutions those reveal the real festivity and reflect the curious character of socio-religious life of the valley.
Fine Arts: During the reign of king Bhagya Chandra, towards the 18th century, Vaishnavism became very popular in Manipur. As a result, Vaishnav Palakirtan with Mridanga and Kartalaa became the most prominent factor in Bishnupriya manipuri fine arts. Rasleela is the most important aspect of their culture. Here in Ras-dance the philosophy of the manipuris is the basis on which the philosophy of the Vaisnavism is the body and plot of the dances with the essence of the Bhagavata philosophy.
Festivals: To Bishnupriya Manipuris, festivals are the symbols of their cultural, social and religious aspirations which, besides removing the monotony of life by providing physical diversions, mental recreation and emotional outlet, help them lead a better and fuller life. Bishu, Rathyatra or Kang-Festival, Kartika festival, Maharas Purnima, Phaguwa or yaosang festival etc. are their major festivals.
Marriage: Marriage in society is based on the Hindu pattern and mostly Aryan and non-Aryan elements having certain traditional customs. Marriage is restricted within the gutros in BPM community.
Food: Rice, vegetable and fish are principle foodstuffs of both the Bishnupriyas. Meat and alcohol is strictly prohibited in the society. In religious and social feasts even fish is never used.
Dress and Ornaments: Traditional dress used by the men is called Pachhati - about five feet long cloth manufactured by themselves which worn round the waist. Women usually wear blouses with traditional Lahing/Fanek or Chakshabi (a coarse cloth with lengthwise stripes and embroidered on both sides lengthwise) with an Enaphi (Single or multicolor coarse cloth with laces on both ends) and an Angei or blouse.
Religion and observances: Mass propagation of Hindu customs and traditions in the society is the indicator of their reverence towards the Hindu deities and temples.
Language: Manipuri is the lingua franca in the state of Manipur. This is the official language of Manipur and it has been used as official language before Manipur got independence and joined the Indian Union. State's Official Language is Meiteilon 85% of people in Bishnupriya Manipuri Society do not know Official Manipuri language. The Bishnupriya Manipuri Language is sub-Caste of Manipur State recent declared Manipur government like the rest of the others Caste of Manipur.