Indigenous People's Cultural Exchange Festival concludes
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 14 2024: The Manipur Indigenous People's Cultural Exchange Festival 2024 at Chadong concluded today.

Held under the theme, 'Manipur United by Diversity', the two-day long festival was organised by the Indigenous People's Forum Manipur (IPFM), under the aegis of Tourism Department, Government of Manipur.

Forest Minister Th Biswajit Singh attended the event as chief guest.

Speaking at the event, the Minister stated that the Manipur Indigenous People's Cultural Exchange Festival was held to unite all the indigenous communities.

The festival served as a platform for people to share and exchange culture, he said, expressing his gratitude to God for bringing the indigenous communities together.

"As we all are aware, India is a land of diversity, and Manipur is a mini-India having different vibrant communities and culture," Biswajit said.

Stating that the festival was of coexistence and inclusiveness, Biswajit said, accepting and respecting other's culture will help develop trust and connection among various communities, strengthen unity and build a feeling of oneness.

"It is human nature to make mistakes.

Therefore, the concept of forgive and forget should always be applied to bring in a new and peaceful Manipur," Biswajit said.

"It is through cultural exchange -- of our traditional costumes or attires, dances and folk songs -- that gaps between communities can be closed.

Let us not forget that positivity creates positive response and negativity creates negative response," he said.

The Minister also suggested that such cultural exchange festivals should be held in other districts also.

As a part of the festival, Biswajit released a souvenir.

MLA Kh Ibomcha, Chairman of Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (MHHDC), Ashang Kasar, president of Indigenous People's Forum Manipur (PFM) and high-ranking officials of the Government, heads of villages, among others, attended the event.

Folk songs and dances of various communities were performed and showcased at the event.

Special programmes like 'Meet the Stars' and musical concerts, and other cultural programmes were held.

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