Arambai, martial art show enthral crowd
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 25 2022:
The audience and all the people who visited Manipur Sangai Festival at Ibudhou Marjing Complex, Heingang today were enthralled by Arambai demonstration and other indigenous martial arts and sports shows.
The indigenous martial arts and warfare show which provided a glimpse of Manipur's glorious past was opened by Chief Minister N Biren in the evening.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that efforts to develop Ibudhou Marjing Complex into a world class tourist spot will continue even after the Manipur Sangai Festival is over.
He said that there are much more to be developed including expansion of the field, ground levelling etc.
"With the grace of Ibudhou Marjing, we are today able to organize a horse riding and demonstration of Arambai", he said.
"We have also constructed permanent structures and traditional huts at Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou and these huts will be further developed by including kitchens or bathrooms to utilize them as home-stays for tourists", Biren said.
The Chief Minister highlighted various measures taken up for the preservation of the indigenous pony and said around 14-15 acres have already been developed as grazing ground on the other side of the hill on the Pangei side and at the same time another 30 acres have been allocated at Lamphelpat for preservation of the pony.
"With support and cooperation of the people, we are successfully running the Manipur Sangai Festival", the Chief Minister said.
The theme of this year's edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival is 'Festival of Oneness', Biren said and pointed out that the festival is being held at various venues across the State and that all communities of the State are participating in the festival.
The Chief Minister also lauded and appreciated the officials, security personnel involved in the smooth organizing of the festival and said new initiatives regarding security have also been introduced including the Mounted Police (Sagol Police) and Tourist Police who are there to guide tourists.
At the same time, considering the safety of women, around 100 women commandos have been deployed at various venues, he added.
The evening function was also attended by Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Kashim Vashum, Advocate General Lenin Hijam, Rajya Sabha Member Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti Singh, Kumbi MLA Sanasam Premchandra Singh and Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, among others.
The Chief Minister and other dignitaries who were visibly elated with the Arambai demonstrations, handed financial rewards to the horse riders.
N Biren also released a leaflet titled 'Sacred Place of Ibudhou Marjing'.
Delegates from Myanmar and Japan were also feted during the event.