Imphal, August 29 2009: The second edition of the state level Manipur Pineapple Festival, organised by the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee was winded up today at Dr Kalam Ground, Bunglon High School campus under Henglep constituency in Churachandpur district on a grand note.

The concluding function of the festival - which began on Friday - was graced by MPCC President Gainkhangam, MLA Govindas Konthoujam, MLA M Prithiviraj as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively while the host of the programme was circle MLA, T Manga Vaiphei.

The second day of the festival was marked by Pineapple Promotional Musical concert and the crowd pulling Manipur Pineapple Queen Contest.

Celebrated artists like H Muon, Jem, Mang (Maneithangza) Kipgen, Maxy Minthang, T Baby Kom, et al have mesmerised the participants with the moving and lively renditions of their hit songs.

In a highly spirited competition, fifteen striking damsels have vied for the coveted Manipur Pineapple Queen title.

After going through several knockout rounds by winning over the panel of judges-drawn from various professions, Khangembam Romila (21) of Mongshangei, Imphal West was crowned the coveted Manipur Pineapple Queen, 2009.Kh Romila walked home richer by Rs 20,000 .

Pebam Rabina (18) of Ningomthong, Imphal has been declared the first runner-up while Lily Lamhoichong Haokip (20) of Zalenmun village, Churachandpur was adjudged the second runner-up.

The first and second runners-up were awarded Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

Other subtitle winners were Monica Irom (beautiful hair), Thiyam Bidyaluxmi (beautiful smile), Maikam Anjali (beautiful eye), Lily Lamhoichong (Miss Personality), and Kh Romila (best pineapple promoter).

Dignitaries speaking on the occasion have assured to insist the government to promote pineapple in the state while encouraging the farmers for larger production of pineapple.

The presence of celebrated Manipuri film actors like RK Amarjeet, Kaiku and Devita was another crowd puller.

Pineapple farmers have, at least for the day, wore out the monotonous farming chore and found the chance to put their dreariness to rest.

The Kom Cultural Dance and Research Centre, Khoirentak village have also presented the colourful cultural dance of the Komrem.

The festival comes to an end with the hope of meeting again next year on more impressive note.

Talking to this reporter, a pineapple farmer of Bunglon village, P Lielien said the festival comes only once in a year.

This only means that the pineapple farmers of the area have only a day to take rest from the busy farming life.

He said, the government needs to recognise the efforts of the pineapple farmers.

Another pineapple farmer of Khousabung village, Soson said the tears and sweats of the farmers need to be wiped off by patronising the festival and importantly, the pineapple cultivation.

The chairman of MPFC, Soizalal Thangzom said, the government should appended recognition to the sweats and toils of the pineapple farmers as well as the pineapple festival.

He said if the government could arrange the staging of orange and lemon festivals, then why not the pineapple festival.

Saying that pineapple is a livelihood means for thousands of farmers, Thangzom said the state government should give due recognition it deserves in order to enable larger production.

Comment