Manipur is geared up to celebrate its grandest festival of the year ‘Sangai’ from 21st November to 30th November 2019.Manipur tourism administrators along with stakeholders shared updates during a curtain-raiser organised for this forthcoming grand event at Select Citywalk located in the Saket District Centre, in Saket, New Delhi.Eminent stars from the state including Mary Kom, MP, Rajya Sabha and Padma Bhushan Awardee; Sarita Laishram, former World Boxing Champion; and P Kenedy Singh, former Indian Football Captain promoted the event in the city.
‘Sangai’ the name originates from the brow-antlered Deer ‘Sangai’ found only in Manipur’s floating Keibul Lamjao National Park at Loktak lake.
The festival started in 2010 has grown over the years to become a big platform for the state to showcase its rich tradition and culture.Each edition showcases the states immense tourism potential including its Arts and culture, Indigenous sports, Adventure sports, martial arts Thang Ta, handloom,handicrafts,cuisine,music to exhibit it as a world class tourist destination.Moreover, the clssic folk dance performances by the artists such as Kabui Naga dance, Bamboo dance, Maibi dance, Lai Haraoba dance, Khamba Thoibi dance are the most audience pulling attractions of this mega event. Conceivably, another interesting attraction of the Festival would be Sagol Kangjei, in other words, Polo. It is believed that name of the modern Polo came from Manipur Polo, Sagol Kangjei.
According to Sources,Princess of Thailand Maha Chakri Sirindhornand, Chief Ministers of Sagaing and Mandalay region of Myanmar Dr Myint Naing, will grace this year’s Sangai Festival.Also Manipur will greet the U.S. Ambassador to India during his historic maiden visit at the Festival.
‘Sangai’ is going to be held at three separate locations this time – Keibul Lamjao, Imphal, and Mao.The State level organising committee chaired by the Chief Minister himself, has decided to limit the number of stalls for this year’s at 800 . Source said out of these 800 stalls allotted, 300 will be opened at Hapta Kangjeibung while 500 stalls will be opened at Manipur Trade and Expo Centre, Lamboikhongnangkhong.Also out of the fixed stalls at these two locations,45 will be provided to government departments and 80 each will be given for food stall use.
