‘Salt Cakes’ – was once gifted by the Manipur monarchs as a token of appreciation, but today just 10 households in Ningel are clinging to the dying tradition, in order to make a meagre living.

These salt cakes, basically circular discs of salt manufactured by boiling saline water from wells, have yielded their pride to the ubiquitous modern-day packaged salt.

The traditional salt cakes are currently only used during religious events, primarily weddings and births.

Majority of households in Ningel village at Thoubal district, are switching to different occupations, as a result of the declining consumption of salt cakes by the populace.

Ningel is the lone village where the salt cakes are produced, and there are currently just three wells, instead of 6 from where the saline water is drawn.

The condition of the famous salt wells – Chandrkhong, Seekhonng and Waikhong in the village during the rule of the kings have deteriorated due to lack of upkeep and excavation in the nearby hilly terrain, said former village Pradhan – M Ingocha.

With the profit margin almost negligible, only a few families are currently involved in salt production mostly for the sake of keeping alive the traditional practice; informed Lata – a salt maker in her 50s.

She urged the authorities to organize a traditional salt festival on the lines of those held for chillies and specific fruits of the state. In Ningel, the salt wells are almost 45 feet in depth with a diameter of 6 feet. Of the three that exist, two are cemented while the oldest one is made of wood.

In ancient times, salt was called ‘Thum’ in local parlance, played a significant role in the state’s economy. Traditional salt cakes were rewarded by kings among the distinguished individuals in the battlefields. The current Manipuri name “senja-thumja” captures its significance.