Sangai Festival impresses Union minister Kishan Reddy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 21 2022: After a gap of two years, Manipur Sangai Festival is back on track with union minister for culture, tourism and DoNER Gangapuram Kishan Reddy opening the 10-day tourism festival at its main venue at Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur district on Monday.

Addressing the gathering at the opening function of the festival being held under the theme 'Festival of Oneness', Kishan Reddy expressed hope that hosting of the festival and promoting it as the country's biggest tourism festival will boost tourism industry in the state.

The festival, one day, may become the country's biggest tourism event that attracts tourists from across the globe, Reddy said, while assuring his and his ministry's support in hosting the festival in a grand style.

Expressing elation on getting the opportunity to be part of the festival, the minister said he met people of 33 different communities, who have come to represent their respective communities in the festival at one place.

DoNER Minister opens Sangai Festival amid cultural extravaganza :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam

"The Sangai ethnic park, which displays the Unique culture, tradition and costumes of the recognised 33 indigenous communities of the state, gives a unique taste to the visitors.

It is noteworthy how the Biren government is putting its efforts to promote the history, culture and tradition of the state and its people," he said.

Kishan Reddy also highlighted various tourist locations of the state like the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park - the home of the Sangai deer, Loktak Lake - the biggest fresh water lake in North East India, Ima Keithel - the iconic all-women-run market among others and said that these are unique places in the world.

Reddy also noted that Manipur has its rich cultural heritages like the famous Raas Lila, the classical dance of Manipur among others.

Manipur being the origin of Polo Games adds another taste for tourists from across the globe, he said.

Indian citizens used to visit Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia and Africa among others.

However, today domestic tourists need not visit these places as there are plenty of places including Manipur to explore and experience such natural beauty, the minister said.

"More beautiful places are in Manipur and the north-east region.

Manipur, the pride of Northeast India, is ever-blooming as a tourist destination, I can say it proudly," the Union minister said.

He invited people from across the country to visit the state and witness the beauty of the festival.

He also appreciated the chief minister, his cabinet colleagues, MLAs and other officials for organising the festival in such a grand manner and assured to convey to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the way the festival is being organised with construction of permanent structures at Sangai Ethnic Park.

While reflecting on the natural beauty of Manipur and its uniqueness, he continued that the Central government has always been taking up initiatives for the development of Northeast states and added that Prime Minister has a big place in his heart for the people of Manipur.

The minister informed that India would host the next G20 Summit and many big events related with the summit would be held across the country.

Some events will also be held in the northeast states and the Sangai Ethnic Park could be one of the venues for events to be held in the state, he opined.

Reddy also spoke of various development initiatives taken up in different sectors under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Speaking as the chief host, chief minister N Biren expressed that a clear vision is required to achieve something.

The festival is celebrated as the 'Festival of Oneness' to bring unity through participation of all indigenous communities of the state and to encourage oneness, sense of belongingness, pride of ownership of the land amongst the people.

The CM appreciated all those involved in the preparation for the festival, especially the main venue Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou.

Among others, the CM lauded MLAs of Thanga and Moirang assembly constituencies and the public for their support and cooperation, and stated the people did not seek even a single rupee as compensation for the land acquired for establishment of the park.

While highlighting various features of the festival, the chief minister informed that the state government has stepped up the security for tourists visiting major tourist attractions by deploying 'tourist police'.

They will take special care of the safety and convenience of the tourists.

This initiative will make the tourists visiting the state feel safer and better, Biren said.

The chief minister also read out a greeting from the Governor for the successful conduct of the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba raised concern over the depleting population of Sangai, dwindling population of Manipur Pony, which has already been classified as endangered species, and shallowing of the Loktak Lake.

He drew attention of the union minister G Kishan Reddy towards these issues.

"Our state government is trying its best.

But we need more attention and help from the Union government to save this rare species Sangai, the endangered species Manipur Pony and the largest fresh water lake of northeast India the Loktak lake," he said.

Highlighting the tourism potential of the state, the MP said, "Our state is bestowed with so many beautiful natural tourist hotspots.

If developed properly, Manipur could be a perfect tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists alike".

To increase the per-capita income of the state, there is the need to give serious consideration on tourism, the MP said, while seeking maximum help from the Centre in developing the state as a popular tourist destination.

Your kind help will give a great push to the economy of the state," he added.

During the function, a coffee table book of Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 published by the tourism department, and Manipur Today Special Edition on Sangai Festival published by Directorate of Information and Public Relations were released.

As part of the inaugural function, Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 Theme Song by Mangka Laihui was also rendered and cultural troupes presented different performances.

Chief Minister N Biren accompanied by the Union Minister visited and interacted with representatives of different communities in front of their respective traditional huts at the Sangai Ethnic Park.

Ministers, MLAs, and chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar among others attended the inaugural function.

Earlier, the Sangai Ethnic Park was inaugurated by the chief minister, before the opening of the festival.

The inauguration was attended by ministers, MLAs, chairman of boards and corporations, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar among others.

Manipur Sangai Festival is an annual cultural-cum-tourism festival of Manipur.

It is held from November 21 to 30 every year since 2010.However, the festival went into a hiatus for two years in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic, and is back on the track this year with improvement in the pandemic situation.

Unlike previous editions in which its venues were concentrated in Imphal only, the festival this time is being held in as many as 13 venues across the hill and valley districts of the state.