IT News
Imphal, Nov 18:
The Directorate of Tourism, Government of Manipur is all set to unroll the 11th and the biggest edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival ever held since its inception in 2010. After a hiatus brought on by the global pandemic, the Manipug Sangai Festival 2022 will bring together the ‘Land of Jewels’ to celebrate the Festival of Oneness and showcase the resilient spirit of unity in diversity.
The festival will be held from November 21 to 30, 2022 at Hapta Kengjeibung MSFDS, City Convention Centre, Ibudhou Marjing Complex, Heingang and Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, at Imphal East District; Mapal Kangjeibung, Kangla Manung Kangjeibung, Imphal West District; Moirang Khunou, Bishnupur District; Behlang and Khuga at Churachandpur District and at Mao and Makhel at Senapati District. The star attraction will be the opening ceremony at the magnificent Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou which also houses indigenous tribal huts showcasing the diverse ethnic communities of Manipur and the splendor of indigenous handloom and handicrafts which revel the rich artistic heritage passed down through the ages.
In addition, there will be regular cultural performances by artists from the different tribes of the state and from other states of India as well as International artists and cultural troupe throughout the festival at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre at Hapta Kangjeibung where the closing ceremony will be held on November 30, 2022.
While speaking about Manipur Tourism’s expectations from the Manipur Sangai Festival, P.K. Jha, Commissioner (Tourism), Government of Manipur said, “Our goal for 2022 is to double the number of attendees that we witnessed in the last edition of this festival. We were quite pleased with footfalls we received in 2019 at the Manipur Sangai Festival, especially considering the scale of the festival as compared to the upcoming edition of 2022.”
Spanning 10 days, the festival will feature – World War II exhibitions, film screenings, flower show, theme parks and other entertainment programmes like ‘Meet the Stars’, besides fun activities for children throughout the festival. The Cherry Blossom Festival at Mao and the village of Makhel in Senapati are other experiences that should not be missed. Visitors will also get to witness Sagol Kangjei, a sport which has now evolved into the modern game of Polo, in its very own birthplace at the Men’s International Polo Tournament and CM’s Sagol Kangjei Tournament at Kangla Polo Ground. One can also enjoy the thrill of various Indigenous Sports and marvel at the athleticism of Thang Ta, Kukna Kangjei and Yubi Lakpi etc. at Ibudhou Marjing Complex, Heingang this year.
“In this edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival, we have been able to expand our publicity campaign for the festival in cities like Kolkata and Bengaluru. We organized a curtain raiser even at Kolkata last month and received very encouraging response. We have also been reaching out to our target audience through multiple platforms which include print and digital media, radio, television, and other on-site publicity activies” said Waikhom Ibohal Singh, Director (Tourism), Manipur.
The Department also organized curtain raiser events at Kangla Western Gat at Imphal West and Mao at Senapati District on November 15, 2022. In its effort to showcase the immense tourism potential of Manipur and its cultural diversity, the Government of Manipur has centred the theme of this edition of the festival on ONENESS. As the grandest and most extravagant festival of Manipur, the Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 is expected to welcome national leaders, policymakers, industry experts, business delegates, cultural performers, exhibitors and visitors from various countries around the world.
For better traffic management and smooth passage of the visitors during the festival, the Department sought co-operation of the general public and advised responsible driving to the youths of the State while appealing to the public to abide by parking rules during the festival. Movement of commercial and private heavy vehicles will be restricted during the festival and security arrangements around the city will also be beefed up in order to ensure safety of the visitors. CCTV cameras will be installed at all the main venues.
Entry tickets will be priced at Rs. 50/- (Adults) and Rs. 20/- (Uniformed Students) and season tickets for stall owners will be priced at Rs. 1000 (30 times entry). Tickets will be available online at www.sangaiticket.com and all venues and through authorised agents.
