Dy CM wins applause at Manipur Day celebration
Source: The Sangai Express / Manipur Info Centre

New Delhi, November 25 2014: Monday evening at Lal Chowk Theatre in Pragati Maidan here had a large crowd to witness the Manipur Day celebration which was part of the ongoing 34th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2014 held at the national capital.

The Manipur Day celebration of the annual IITF usually drew a large crowd for its scintillating dances and colourful cultural programmes.

When Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam started his speech in Manipuri, a recognized regional language of Indian Union in the function, the large Manipuri audience applauded him.

Deputy Chief Minister was the chief guest of the function.

He said that Manipur had been participating in the IITF since its inception in 1980 .

This year, 28 entrepreneurs and three Government departments were taking part in the trade fair.

He described the IITF as a good common platform for the entrepreneurs, exporters and buyers.

Dy CM Gaikhangam lighting up a ceremonial lamp

Gaikhangam elaborated on contributions of Manipur in the country in many fields.

Manipuri theatre and cinema which have received global recognition made the Indians proud.

In the field of sports, Manipur has Mary Kom, Sarita, Chanchan, Kothajit, Chinglensana and many sportspersons who brought laurels to the country.

The Manipuri handloom and handicraft are world famous for its craftsmanship as well as ingenuity.

The Deputy Chief Minister informed the gathering that they should visit Manipur during the Manipur Sangai Festival which is held at Imphal from November 21 to 30 every year to know more about Manipur.

Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Kont-houjam spoke about the implementation of various schemes on handloom, handicraft and food processing by the Department of Commerce and Industries with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship in Manipur.

Referring to this year's theme of IITF-'Women Entrepreneurship', he said that women in Manipur are deeply involved in terms of State's economy.

"We have Ima Market in the heart of Imphal which is exclusively run by women", he added.

He also stated that Manipur with its scenic beauties and good hospitality is a good destination of tourists.

He invited tourists to watch the International Polo Tournament being held at Imphal Pologround, the word's oldest pologround where the game of polo was born.

"Eight foreign countries are taking part in this year's International Polo Tournament, which is a part of Manipur Sangai Festival," he stated.

The rhythmic dances of Maibi Laiching Jagoi, Lai Haraoba Thougal Jagoi, Pung Cholom and Basanta Raas of Meitei community living in the plains of Manipur and the exotic dances of Chiru, Paomai and Anal communities living in the hills mesmerized the audience.

Spectacular performances of dagger fighting and sword fighting between female sword fighters and two male fighters electrified the audience.

The mega fashion parade titled Ima Keithel designed by fashion designer Doren Chanambam, the managing director of Freeway was another attraction of the Manipur Day celebration.

The Freeway promoted the traditional attires of Manipur in the fashion industry.

Former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam and former Minister and veteran politician Okram Joy were among the distinguished audience.