Indian scientists have made a significant astronomical discovery with the identification of the Loktak Protocluster, a massive structure of galaxies dating back 12.6 billion years. Named after Manipur's iconic Loktak Lake, this ancient formation provides insights into the early stages of galaxy formation shortly after the Big Bang. The research, led by Dr. Ronaldo Laishram, involved an international team and was published in *The Astrophysical Journal Letters*. Utilizing the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope and the Subaru Telescope, astronomers found four dense groups of galaxies interconnected within this cosmic structure, which existed when the universe was only 1.2 billion years old. Dr. Laishram noted that the galaxy pattern resembles the floating phumdis of Loktak Lake, aiming to highlight Manipur's cultural significance in the realm of astronomy. This discovery is celebrated as a milestone for Indian science, potentially enhancing our understanding of dark matter and galaxy evolution.