13th Saphi Lanphi Day observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 19 2024: Commemorating the day when 'Saphi Lanphi' of Manipur received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag on December 19, 2011, the 13th Saphi Lanphi Day was observed at the Wangkhei Yonglan Leirak residence of cloth maker and national awardee M Lalini, on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Lalini informed that Saphi Lanphi was awarded to warriors by the kings for defeating the enemies of the land.

The 50/80-inch cloth is embroidered with 10 different motifs and prepared with its own unique colour.

She continued that the production of this cloth gradually decreased due to shortage of raw materials and the number of weavers gradually declined.

As a result, at present only three women including her are making this cloth.

The two other weavers are also recipient of state awards, she conveyed.

Lalini then expressed her wish to continue making the cloth and publish a book on the same to make the future generations aware of this cloth.

JD(U) Manipur State Unit vice president (organisation) M Dolendro attended the observance as chief guest.

As part of the function, he presented the Phamdom ningol Maisnam ongbi Keinahanbi Devi Memorial Saphi Lanphi Award 2024 to weavers working to preserve this cloth as an encouragement.

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