World Tourism Day (2015) observation at Andro

James Khangenbam *

Andro Santhei Park :: Pix - TSE

The grass are trimmed, the stage is set on water, white paints along the retaining wall of the entrance pond is giving a shade over the green looks, the hospitality for the two days World Tourism Day observation is witnessed as one takes a walk around the Santhei Natural Park, Andro.

More to that a replica of Meetei Yumjao is being erected at the park, built with the help of the locals in popularizing the traditional hut, more set up is expected around the hut to depict the traditional lifestyle of the people of Andro .

On the entertainment front our promising Meitei Folk Singer Ms. Pinky Saikhom will raise the curtain with her authentic folk tunes and movements of Manipuri, Eros the girls band from Churachandpur is going to enthrall the crowd, Thei Thei Luithui from Ukhrul another girls band and Tetseo Sisters of Nagaland is coming down to enchant everyone with their melodic songs in the environment friendly set up.

Music definitely is going to be in the air. In fact the event is going to be one expected by many youngsters over an oxygen rich atmosphere. Green grass to sit on, a mild walk beside the pond or an off the routine walk among the dense trees in the area

The two days event is also going to be one chance to know about the traditional Chakpa Dance of Andro, the Leray Dance, the Louring Eshei, Phousu Esei or the Nongmaiching Sheitha Esei. Besides the popular tradition brew making will be demonstrated to the visitors as a part of tourism promotion in Andro.

The handmade potteries by award winning artisans are another feature to the two days World Tourism Day observation organized by Tourism Department government of Manipur and managed by Explore East Entertainments (EEE).

Blues champion Fringes, the attention grabbing band PEBET one of the young Manipuri Folk Rock Band, one and only one classic rock band Chaoba Khudei & ZZ band will entertain the crowd with his signature MEITEI KHUDEI and energetic Penta Fusion will also be performing on 26th September afternoon session. The two days event is going to be lots of fun and nonstop entertainment.

The food court with delicious cuisine is going to be one munching point for the festival goers.

The World Tourism Day is being organized by Department of Tourism, govt of Manipur with the global theme of 'One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities' with a motive of promoting tourism in the State and particularly promoting Andro as a Global Tourism Village.

State officials head by the Chief Minister is going to address the people along with the release of publicity materials on Manipur Tourism during the observation. It's a Launching pad of Sangai Festival which will start from 21st Nov 2015 at Hapta Kangjeipung.