Sangai Festival kicks off in style
Draw more participation from other countries, make the festival more attractive: Governor
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 21 2015 : The annual Sangai Festival of Manipur kicked off in style with the grandeur assured on Saturday.

The inaugural festival was attended by state, national and international dignitaries and huge number of local visitors.

The annual cultural event organised by Manipur Tourism Department was inaugurated by Manipur Governor V Shanmuganathan as the Chief Guest.

The first day of the festival was also attended by Norwegian Ambassador to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg, Lady Anne Josephine Kamsvåg and Second Secretary, Political Affairs at Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi Johan Løøv.Delivering his inaugural speech, V Shanmuganathan said he was deeply impressed by the "overall concept and splendid arrangements for the festival" .

The governor stated that the Sangai Festival is aimed at capitalizing on rich tradition and culture of the State for the promotion of tourism sector.

Sangai Festival kicks off in style

The Governor pointed out that Manipur has "serene hills, scenic landscapes, exotic flora and fauna for developing into a popular tourist destination." The variegated natural beauty of the hills and the valley "is enough to satisfy every tourist's palate for nature" .

Exuding confidence, the Governor said that with the steady improvement in the tourism infrastructure like hotels, roads, transport system and initiatives taken by the State Government, "things have started looking up in the tourism sector" .

Shanmuganathan informed that the "Look East Policy and now Act East Policy" under the Government of India is also poised to open up new avenues for tourism.

"The irony is that Manipur is known more for its law and order issues rather than its enormous beauty and human resources.

In recent times also, there have been incidents showing tendency of communal tension in this State of multiple communities.

These negative reports are a serious deterrent to the people wanting to visit the State.

It is in our hands, the State Government and the people of Manipur to overturn this negative perception", observed the Governor.

The Governor also had a piece of advice for the "authorities".

Sangai Festival kicks off in style

He said, "No doubt, tourism infrastructure such as good accommodation, road & transport and other quality basic amenities are prerequisites for attracting the tourists and these need special attention in this State also particularly in the hill districts.

But another aspect which should engage our attention is marketing".

Marketing should be packaged neatly to catch the imagination of the tourists so as to enhance the saleability of the State as a tourist destination, the Governor added.

He also expressed the need to draw more participation from other countries and this will make the festival more attractive and purposeful.

The Governor lauded those who are involved in the organisation of the festival.

Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi while delivering his speech stated that the festival is aimed at bringing the best of what the State has to offer – be it cultural heritage, folk dances, indigenous cuisines, music, adventure sports and natural beauty.

He said that the Sangai Festival has been publicized across the world through social media and live streaming.

In his speech, the Chief Minister also acknowledged that the development of tourism needs basic infrastructure like good roads, water supply and power not only in Imphal but also in far flung areas of the State with immense tourism potential.

He said once these hurdles are overcome, there can be a proper direction to the tourism sector in the State.