The Meitei people, Meetei people, or Manipuri people is a dominant ethnic group native to Manipur in Northeast India. They speak Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of the Indian Republic and the sole official language of the Government of the state of Manipur. The Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley in Manipur, though a sizeable population has settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. They have also presence in the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Meitei ethnic group represents 53% of Manipur's population.

According to the 2011 census, 83.38% of Meiteis practice Hinduism, around 16% of Meiteis follow the traditional Sanamahi religion (a polytheistic religion with thousands of deities, gods and goddesses), about 8% follow Islam and are known as Meitei Pangals, and about 1.06% are Christians. Meiteis follow both Hinduism as well as Sanamahi religious traditions and rituals.

Rice cultivation on irrigated fields is the basis of their economy. They are keen horse breeders, and polo is a national game. Field hockey, boat races, theatrical performances, and dancing are well known throughout India as the Manipuri style.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org