Image Source: Shubha B
The grand cultural extravaganza, Manipur Sangai Festival takes place every year in the state of Manipur.
It started in the year 2010 and has grown over the years into a big platform for Manipur to showcase its rich tradition and culture to the world. The festival is labelled as the grandest festival of the State today and helps promote Manipur as a world class tourism destination. Every edition of the festival showcases the tourism potential of the state in the field of Arts & Culture, Handloom, Handicrafts, Indigenous Sports, Cuisine, Music and Adventure sports of the state etc.
This festival is named after the Sangai — a threatened species of deer found only in Manipur and surviving on the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park on Loktak lake.
Image Source: Shubha B
This festival is a part of the Manipur government’s efforts to lure tourists, as the government believes that the state has enormous scope for developing the tourism industry, and is held in the end week of November every year.
Apart from handloom and handicraft stalls, fashion shows, musical evenings, rock concerts, extreme sport and indigenous games are also a part of this festival. The government plans to invite one country to become a partner in organizing the festival every year. Tourism commissioner Rajesh Kumar said this year’s festival was bigger than last year’s edition.
Inaugurating the festival, deputy chief minister in-charge of home Gaikhangam appealed to different communities to shun ethnic interests and work together to take Manipur on the path of peace, progress and development.
The festival reflects the State’s proud cultural heritage and the love for art which is inherent amongst various tribes inhabiting the State of Manipur. Its distinctive culture is showcased by its various art forms like various folk-dance performances like the Kabui Naga dance, Bamboo dance, Maibi dance, Lai Haraoba dance, Khamba Thoibi dance etc.
Image Source: Shubha B
Highlight of the show this year was world famous Raas Leela (unique combination of dance and music curated beautifully with expert team of artists…), brilliant in their genre.
The festival also brought to light an array of Manipur’s best indigenous crafts products. The themed huts of the various tribes at the heritage park representing the living-style of these tribes and exhibited their indigenous products. The artistry and creativity of the tribes of Manipur were displayed in their handloom and handicraft products which are otherwise not widely available in the market.
Unlike the previous editions of the festival, the 2019 edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival was organized at different locations in Imphal, Bishnupur and Senapati District from 24th to 30th November 2019. The decision was made keeping in view, the increasing number of visitors to the state during the festival.
Image Source: Shubha B
This is one of the largest Government-sponsored tourism fests, the Sangai Festival at Manipur. It is all about unity in diversity and a true reflection of Manipur’s saga. Since 2010, the festival has grown into becoming a major platform for Manipur to showcase its rich tradition and culture.
Image Source: Shubha B
The festival expected to welcome over 50,000 attendees this year including national leaders, policy makers, industry experts, business delegates and exhibitors.
Over 20 countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Egypt, Haiti, Japan, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, U.A.E. and Zimbabwe etc. participated this year.
The most amazing Gala opening & closing ceremonies followed by National & International Cultural shows were the not to miss programs every evening.
Entertainment programmes (Fashion Shows, Photo exhibitions, Musical nights, Sangai open mic, WW-II Exhibitions, Meet the Stars, Flower Show etc) and what not, were a treat to eye and senses.
Every performance and show were so unique in itself; one can’t afford to miss even a single one.
From its beautiful blend of instrumental, vocal music to fine expressions and international level performances, every artist stole the hearts of audience.
Keeping in mind audience choice and understanding the age groups, organisers team planned to have variations in the kind of events to be showcased and hence a fair chance was given to young and upcoming talents too, which was highly appreciated by people present.
Got the privilege to watch live performance by Manipuri’s from Bangladesh too.
The troupe was specially invited this year in the state festival, Sangai to get a chance to be with their kith and kin. The troupe also got overwhelmed by the Indians and their own country, “felt like coming home once again”.
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