Imphal: The Manipur tourism festival, “Sangai Festival, 2022” will be organised on the theme “Festival of Oneness” in 13 venues across the State, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Tuesday during the curtain raiser event of the festival at Kangla.
N Biren said the government is not confining the festival in the city alone, and the government wants public involvement in the festival from every corner of the State and truly make it state-wide.
The main venue for the festival will be at Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou, Bishmupur district at the Loktak lake; the Chief Minister said the public may now visit the park where permanent structures are being constructed so that the festival may be organized there every year.
He thanked and appreciated the people of Thanga and Moirang Assembly Constituencies for their cooperation and support to all the construction works and said not a single compensation was sought by the public during the whole construction work including the road widening process.
The Chief Minister also said that various events will be included in this year’s edition of the festival including indigenous Sagol Kangjei (polo) inside the Kangla Kangjeibung.
The festival will also have Arambai ( dart) throwing event, he said.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people that the festival there will witness many tourists visiting the State and that we have to show our best behaviour and that it would be the time to showcase and highlight our culture, civilization, decency, discipline, etc.
N. Biren Singh also highlighted that events will be held at Makhel in Senapati, Behiang and Geljang in Churachandpur among others.
The Chief Minister along with the other dignitaries also released the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2022 theme song by Mangka Mayanglambam and balloons to mark the opening of the curtain raiser event. Rhythms of Manipur also presented their Dancing Drummer.
Other highlights include pung cholom, blowing of conch and penna invocation.
N. Biren Singh flagged off the Sangai Run which will conclude at Indoor Stadium after passing through Lamlong Bazar, Kongba Bazar, Pishumthong, Keishampat, etc. Renowned film actress of the State Soma Laishram was declared festival ambassador by the Chief Minister.
Curtain Raiser event was also held at Mao Gate, Senapati District, bordering Nagaland.
Sangai Marathon Run was flagged off from Martyrs Park NH-39 to Cherry Blossom Festival venue and Monolith of Raku Kokubu (Base Camp) was also unveiled.
Minister Dr S. Ranjan Singh said Cherry Blossom Festival has been organized as part of Sangai Festival this year in Mao, Senapati District.
The main objective of organizing the festival in this area is to showcase the hospitality and talent of the people of the area. We need to promote talents in the midst of the festivity as there are many talented people in the state, he added.
Minister further stated that Manipur has a lot of tourism potential and tourists are flocking in the state to see the natural beauty of the state.
We need to promote tourism with a futuristic vision.
To witness a beautiful and tempting Cherry Blossom Festival next year, we need to work together for the overall development of the state.
