A short distance west of the city centre, the Manipuri neighbourhoods (Manipuri Para) and weaving villages give a glimpse of one of the most distinctive cultural communities in Bangladesh. The houses are built on raised platforms, with stilt verandas and walls of bamboo matting, and almost every household weaves on traditional looms in the front room.
Visit a cooperative or weaver's home to see the looms working and to buy direct — the geometric patterned shawls and sarees are works of art and a fraction of the boutique prices in Dhaka. Late October sees the ras leela festival, with traditional Manipuri dance performances; well worth the trip if dates allow.