‘Sangai Fest to promote heritage of Manipur’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 19 : Amid widespread calls for a boycott of the Sangai Festival 2025, Tourism Director Lourembam Bikram has clarified that the event is intended to promote Manipur's rich heritage and culture, as well as boost the State's tourism infrastructure.
The Tourism Directorate and the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) organised a one day media workshop on "Tourism Potential in Manipur" at Manipur Press Club today.
Addressing the programme as chief guest, Bikram expressed regret that certain sections of society view the upcoming Sangai Festival (scheduled from November 21 to 30) as an insensitive or inappropriate celebration given the ongoing challenges in Manipur.
He described such perceptions as unfortunate.
Acknowledging the hardships faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), Bikram announced that no fees or deposits will be charged from IDPs wishing to set up commercial stalls at  Hapta Kangjeibung, to enable them to earn livelihoods and participate in the economic opportunities provided by the event.
Additionally, all IDPs will be granted free entry to the venues of the Sangai Festival, he said.
Bikram further stated that the festival will provide a platform for the IDPs to showcase and sell their handmade products, traditional crafts, and other items.
Dignitaries and VIPs attending the festival will be presented special gift items handcrafted by IDPs, he added.
Reiterating that the tourism festival is fundamentally designed to showcase Manipur’s art, culture, traditions, indigenous games, and handicrafts on a global platform, he  added that a dedicated Sangai Music Festival will be organised from November 28 to 30 at the Archery Ground, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, to promote local artists.
The Tourism Director stated that the first day of the Sangai Music Festival will be exclusively dedicated to showcasing local artists while the second day will feature a mix of local artists alongside one internationally acclaimed performer.
The final day will present local artists sharing the stage with one National-level artist, he added.
He further highlighted several key cultural and sporting highlights of the Sangai Festival, stating that several acclaimed films will be screened at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), a series of Shumang Leelas will be staged at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen; the indigenous game of Sagol Kangjei will be showcased at Manung Kangjeibung inside the Kangla Fort and a men's polo tournament will take place at the iconic Mapal Kangjeibung.
Despite various initiatives undertaken to promote tourism in Manipur, the State doesn't have a single world-class tourism destination, he said and added that the Government of India is working to develop at least one world-class tourist destination in every State with a special focus on promoting homestay sector.
Manipur boasts over 135 identified tourist destinations, he said and emphasised that promoting water tourism, remembrance tourism, art and culture tourism, and heritage tourism won't be difficult in Manipur given the State's landscapes, abundant water bodies, and historical legacy.
Bikram maintained that maintaining cleanliness at tourist destinations is not solely the responsibility of the Government but requires active participation of the people.
He went on to state that the Centre has already sanctioned Rs 89 crore to implement different development projects at  the surrounding areas of Loktak Lake and they are awaiting clearance from  the department concerned for implementation.
The programme was also participated by DIPR Director Ngangom Uttam as guest of honour and  Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) president Khogendra Khomdram as functional president.
During the function, Chairman cum Managing Director of  Babina Group of Companies Thangjam Dhabali spoke on "Prospect on Tourism Industry and Tourism Infrastructure in Manipur" while EGM secretary Yumnam Rupachandra deliberated on "Media on Tourism."