Festive Fair begins at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2011: A five-day long Mera Hou-chongba Festive Fair commenced from today at Iboyaima Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The fair organised jointly by Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers & Handicraft Artisans Cooperative Society Limited and Ethno Heritage Council (Hericoun) was inaugurated by the Commerce and Industries Minister Y Erabot.

speaking as the chief guest Minister Erabot opined that organising such a fair will provide a common platform for artisans from various community to share knowledge and skills on their respective profession in addition to fostering cultural integration of the indigenous people.

While emphasising on participation of the State artisans on a wider scale, he also highlighted that the annual Trade Fair organised in the National Capital had been able to promote cultural integration from various corner of the diverse nation.

Further conveying that a similar fair would be held at Bangladesh in the near future, Erabot stated that efforts are on for maximum participation of artisans from both the hills and valley area of Manipur.

Calling upon weavers and artisans from the hill districts to exhibit their skills and products whenever such a Fair is organised, he also suggested that emphasis should be on qualitative production with the help of advanced technology.

In his address, Hericoun vice president Mutum Churamani described Mera Hou Chongba as a festival that not only inspires and but re-ignites the age-old relationship amongst the indigenous people.

Terming the ongoing economic blockade as a dampener on the spirit of the festive occasion, Churamani condemned alleged lack of initiative on the part of the Government of Manipur to resolve the Sadar hills issue.

The inaugural programme was also attended by Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Manipur Thaithuilung Panmei, Manipur apex Handloom & Handicraft Cooperative Society Limited president M Satyabhama and Principal Secretary (Commerce and Industries) O Nabakishore Singh.

Handloom and handicraft items are being displayed/put on sale in nearly 100 stalls at the Fair.

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