Tepid Sangai Fest draws to a close

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 30: Amid the loud cacophony of vehement protest and strong objection, Manipur Sangai Festival 2025 concluded this evening.
The closing ceremony of the 10-day tourism festival held under the theme ‘Festival of Oneness’ was held at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Konung Lampak.
Varieties of events were held at Imphal, Bishnupur and Senapati during the festival.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and he reiterated that the State Government has been working hard to promote the State’s tourism sector.
A ropeway project is in the final stage of completion and this can be a tourist attraction apart from enhan- cing connectivity, he said.
Even though this year’s edition of Manipur Sangai Festival faced a number of challenges, it was a success, claimed the Governor.  
He conveyed gratitude to Tourism Department, Department of YAS, Art & Culture Department, Manipur Police, other stakeholders and the people for making the festival a success.
He also conveyed gratitude to the Indian Association of Tour Operators and the Adventure Tour Operators Association of Indian for holding the third Manipur Tourism Congress successfully.
The Governor also hailed the students and teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy and Government Dance College for their mesmerising choreographic presentations on the opening day and at the closing ceremony of the festival.    
The captivating performance of the artistes reflected the rich cultural heritage of Manipur, he said.
Altogether 28 films were screened during the Sangai Film Festival.
In addition to traditional sports like Sagol Kangjei, Mukna Kangjei and Kang, an international polo tournament was held successfully during the festival, he remarked.
Wishing that the festival may bring peace, unity and development in Manipur, the Governor exuded confidence that the Manipur Sangai Festival will be held on a grander scale next year, and one again all the artistes and stakeholders will come together.
Gurus, teachers, students and artistes of Government Dance College presented a captivating choreographic performance titled ‘Santigi Lairembi’ during the closing ceremony.
The choreographic performance was directed by Government Dance College Senior Lecturer Gurumayum Loken Sharma.
Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, 3 Corps Commander Lt Gen Abhijit Kumar Pendharkar, and top civil and police officials were also present at the closing ceremony.
The 10-day tourism festival was held under tight security arrangement amid vehement protest and strong objection by IDPs and CSOs.
The IDPs and CSOs were contending that it was inappropriate to celebrate Manipur Sangai Festival when tens of thousands of displaced families have been living under wretched conditions in relief camps.
They were saying that Manipur Sangai Festival may be celebrated only after the IDPs are resettled at their homes.
Notably, no MLA was present at the closing ceremony.
Although the main events of the festival were held at Hapta Kangjeibung, several events were also held at Khuman Lampak Sports complex, BOAT, MSFDS, City convention Centre, Classic Grande, Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Mapal Kangjeibung, Mao, Loktak Lake etc.
As compared to the previous editions, the numbers of visitors as well as participants in Manipur Sangai Festival 2025 were much smaller on account of the boycott call given by CSOs and IDPs.