Inaugurated But Many Stalls Yet To Be Opened
Govt callousness erodes Sangai Fest flavour
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 21 2012: Thanks to State Government ineptness, the much hyped Manipur Sangai Festival, an annual event to put Manipur on the global tourism map, began in an inauspicious note as confusion prevailed in arranging food stall allotment on the opening day today.

While Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam inaugurated the Festival with the official function held at BOAT, Palace Compound, food stall runners complained of official apathy.

Even though the Festival is officially considered to be the main plank to propel Manipur into the tourism map, it is without doubt that food stalls are the main attraction for thousands of locals who wish to taste varied dishes.

The disenchantment of the stall runners was clearly visible as representatives of the Thailand delegation expressed strong resentment that the stalls were not prepared as they had suggested and they remained incomplete.

"We have been waiting since the morning hours to put up our wares but till now there is no sign that the task will be completed," said one of the Thai delegates pointing to stall construction workers.

A spectacular show put up during the inaugural function

The fact that out of the total of 796 stalls supposed to be put up for the 10-day festival, 166 of them would be exclusively to food items indicate popularity and importance of food stalls to woo visitors.

Despite the opening day hiccups, Hapta Kangjeibung which is the main Festival venue resembles a festive look as the exterior had been well adorned by colourful flags and decorative items.

Tourism Department, the chief organisers of the Festival, had already launched a website on the Festival, which will also be webcast on the website www.sangaifestival.com.in.

In his address as the chief guest, Gaikhangam exuded confidence that the Festival will be able to not only highlight the rich cultural heritage of the North East region, its folk dances, indigenous foods and adventure sports but also provide the much-needed boost to develop the region's tourism sector based on its natural bounty.

Emphasising that along with development of the tourism infrastructure there is need for equal emphasis on protection of the region's rich bio-diversity and preserving the eco-system, the Deputy CM also called upon the people for concerted effort and contribution towards protecting the endangered Sangai, the brow antlered deer.

As guest of honour of the Festival's inauguration, Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi's Minister (Consul) Tharadol Thongruang suggested that neighbouring States of Manipur be invited to further enrich the annual event.

While Chief Secretary DS Poonia, in his address, proposed that future festivals be organised in collaboration with a foreign country, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism M Prithviraj assured that all possible measures would be initiated to finalise events of the next festival by March next.

Prithviraj also officially proclaimed that London Olympics bronze medallist MC Mary would be the brand ambassador of Manipur Tourism.

Mary Kom along with Education Minister M Okendro graced the occasion as the guests of honour.

As a part of the festival, an international polo tournament is being organised at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung while folk music and traditional dances along with exhibition of indigenous games would be showcased at different venues.