DoNER Minister opens Manipur Sangai Festival

Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 21

Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and DoNER, G Kishan Reddy declared the Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 open at the main venue of the Festival at the Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou in south Manipur on November 21. The festival will continue till November 30 at different venues across the State.

Speaking on the occasion, G Kishan Reddy said that he was lucky to have met groups of 33 different communities in one place, who have come to participate in the festival. Stating that he could see the celebration of the festival with pomp and gaiety, the Union minister invited people across the country to visit the State and witness the beauty of the festival. 

The Union minister stated that the Central Government has been taking up initiatives for the development of Northeast states and also ‘Prime Minister has a big place for the people of Manipur.’ 

Speaking as the chief host, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said a clear vision is required to achieve something. The festival is celebrated as the festival of oneness to achieve unity through participation of all indigenous communities of the State and to encourage oneness, sense of belongingness, pride of ownership of the land amongst the people, the CM stated.

MP Rajya Sabha Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba raised concern over the small population of the Sangai, classification of Manipur Pony as endangered and shallowing of the Loktak Lake and drew the attention of Union Minister G Kishan Reddy towards the issues.

“Our state Government is trying all its best. But we need more attention and kind help from the Union Government to save this rarest species Sangai, this endangered species Manipur Pony and one and only fresh water lake in NE- Loktak,” he said.

Highlighting the tourism potential of the State, the MP said, “Our State is endowed with so many beautiful Natural tourist Hotspots, if developed properly, Manipur could be a perfect tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists.”

During the function, the coffee table book Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 of the Tourism Department and Manipur Today Special Edition on Sangai Festival by Directorate of Information and Public Relations were released.

The Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 theme song by Mangka Laihui was rendered besides cultural troupes performances.