Poubi Lai

Poubi Lai (also spelled Poubi Lai), in Meitei mythology and folklore, is a shapeshifting dragon or serpent deity associated with water and nature. It is a significant figure in the cosmology and religious traditions of the Meitei people of Manipur, India.

Poubi Lai is often depicted as a massive serpentine creature inhabiting Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is considered both a powerful and potentially dangerous entity. While it can bring prosperity and fertility, it is also associated with floods, storms, and other natural disasters.

Poubi Lai is a protector of the lake and its ecosystem, and is revered through rituals, offerings, and dances. Legends describe Poubi Lai as capable of taking various forms, including human, animal, and monstrous shapes. The narratives surrounding Poubi Lai often emphasize the importance of respecting nature and maintaining harmony with the environment. It is a central figure in many folk tales and plays an important role in Meitei cultural identity. The deity's connection to Loktak Lake makes it crucial to conservation efforts and sustainable management of the lake's resources.