The Manipur Cherry Blossom and Flower Festival began yesterday at Motu Tubvii, Mao Gate as part of Sangai Festival under the theme “Where Blossoms Breathe Harmony”.
The programme was graced by T Pamei, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur as the Chief Guest and Mamoni Doley, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Commissioner and Secretary of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, T Pamei, IAS said that Cherry Blossom flower festival is celebrated as part of Sangai Festival to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state which is inhabited of more than 35 tribes and communities. He also extended his wishes for the successful celebration of Sangai Festival 2025. He praised the people of Mao for their exemplary in education, entrepreneurship, generosity, and hospitality.
He informed the gathering that Government is proposing for floriculture hub in Mao area due to agro- climatic condition throughSpecial Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
He appealed them to preserve, protect and promote biodiversity which has become one of the concern issues. He continued urging them to uphold and respect the rich uniqueness of traditional culture value.
In the Guest of honour speech, DC Mamoni Doley, IAS expressed her gladness to be part of the programme. She said that it is not a celebration but inclusion of Sangai Festival to highlight the unique identity of the area bringing attention to the nation and international. She also said celebration of Sangai festival across the State has been proud moment to showcase its beauty and diversity.
The DC emphasizing on the tourism potential in the district mentioned the needs for more exploration to show vibrant culture of diversity of the district. She also applauded he Tourism department and organiser for their hard work.
Later, the Chief Guest accompanied by Mamoni Doley, IAS, DC Senapati and her District Administration team along with the organiser inspected the stalls which exhibited the flowers, vegetables, organic foods, handicrafts, food stalls and other by the SHGs and local entrepreneurs. Altogether 53 stalls were opened.
The programmed moderated by Panii Ngaonii, Sub Deputy Collector, Senapati continued with the discussion on ‘Women in Bloom Empowering Rural Women through Flower- Based Livelihoods’ from various expertpanellistsnamely, Ng. Ngaorai, District Officer, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Senapati, H. Veisho, DMM I/C Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission, Senapati, Mrs. Sarah Nuh and Mrs. Eshia Daikho.
Various activities of the festival include viewing of Cherry Blossom and walks, walk to Elai che waterfall, potato farm, Guiding trek to Mt. Esii, Flowers, fruits and Vegetables stall exhibition and sales,local handicraft and art bazaar, talent of PWDS in crafts, painting, dance and songs, indigenous cuisine and food stalls and photography contest.
During the curtain raiser event, 103 participated in the Cherry Blossom Unity Run along the stretch of 10 Kilometres from Tadubi to Cherry Blossom Site on 18th of November ’25 while118 took part in the trekking to Mt. Etsii on 19th of November, ‘25.The event also included photo contest under Chasing the Blossom Breeze and Khedzii Khoru Competition on the theme Cooking the flavors of our Past.
It may be also mentioned that Cherry Blossom and Flower Festival will continue on till 23rd of November, 2025with cultural mosaic in collaboration with ICCR North East, Traditional Games, Traditional chef cooking competition, prize distribution and other extravagant programme respectively.