Kenyan in Manipur festival
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 23 2011:
One of the most crowded stalls in the ongoing Manipur tourism festival, The Sangai Festival 2011 at the historic Hatta Kangjeibung in Imphal, is 'Africa Kenya' stall selling all kinds of attractive items, including African massaimala, a yellow wood in natural colour.
Africa Kenya booth, sold items ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 3,0000, said its owner Mariam Idd Makame, a Kenyan and her husband Ruel Bo Laranjo, a Philipino.
She told Newmai News Network the she "really love the Sangai Festival and the people are so warm" and because of the hospitality, she came back again to the fest this year also.
"The response of the people is very nice and they are attracted to the items sold at our stall.
No time to take rest due to non-stop proceeds.
People are flooding around our booth buying all kinds of items.
An officer came enquired yesterday at the stall as it was overcrowded with customers", Makane said.
Lady bags, cowboy hats made of camel skin, and clothes which are usually used in making queen's special clothes are also available in the form of lady bags, she informed.
The cowboy hats which are sold at Rs 500 per piece is one of the most favourite items of customers.
A giraffe statue, men, women and many items made of Africa massaimala are also attracted by the people, the couple said.
Ruel Bo Laranjo met Makane in Kenya and married her where he used to work before and its is his first time in the Sangai Festival, he said.
Makane further said she is looking forward to come again here along with their children to participate in the fete next year.
Interestingly, the couple has 10 different stores in three countries called "African Bags and Jewellery", five in Kenya, three in Philippines and another five in India.
It is worth noting that so many foreigners have been participating in the ongoing festival which was inaugurated on Monday by Manipur Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh at Hatta Kangjeibung here.
People from countries like Kenya, Myanmar, Thailand and North Korea are participating in the festival.
Exhibition and sale of local products like handloom and handicraft items, exhibition of indigenous games like Mukna Kangjei, Mukna, Kang, Yubu Lakpi, Sagol Kangjei and Arambai are featuring in the festival.
Other events like, adventure sports and eco-tourism like expeditions to Dzuko valley, Loktak Lake and Lamdan, rock-climbing, Para-gliding are also be included in the festival which ends on November 30 .