Sangai Festival unlikely this year
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 15 2021:
The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected tourism sector in the state and this year too, there are high chances of the government cancelling the annual Sangai Festival.
Last year, Sangai Festival was not held due to the pandemic.
Even though the situation is improving, it is highly unlikely for the government to take the risk and celebrate the festival even as the threat of a third wave is looming large amid the heightened poll activities.
The festival began in 2014-15 and every year it is held for 10 days from November 21 .
A reliable source said that tourism department had sent proposal to the higher authority for organising the festival if the situation favours.
However, there is no report of the government considering the festival in the existing situation, the source said.
In 2018, the state recorded a footfall of around 3000 foreign tourists and the number increased to over 9000 in 2019 and 12,000 in 2020 .
Sangai Festival plays a major role in increasing number of tourist footfall in the state.
Even though there are restrictions related with Covid-19 pandemic, the state is still getting foreign tourist footfalls though significantly less in number.
The festival is one of the major events of the state that help in establishing a tourism brand, and contributing to exploring the untapped tourism potentials of the state.
With ambassadors and high commissioners of different countries attending the festival in different editions, it became a major platform to promote not only the tourism sector but also the crafts, art and culture of the state.
As the state is witnessing increased activities in relation with the 2022 election and significant reduction in Covid prevalence, some sections of the society are also hoping that organising the festival even in a low key manner could help in strengthening the tourism potential of the
state.