With less than a week to go, preparations are in full swing for the 18th State Level Orange Festival (SLOF) 2025, scheduled to take place from December 17–19 at the Mini Stadium, Tamenglong District Headquarter. Officials said venue works are expected to be completed by Saturday, with a seating capacity for more than 4,000 people. Altogether 200 general stalls and 308 dedicated orange stalls will also be constructed.
Assistant Engineer Pungbatui Newme of the PWD Tamenglong Division, who is overseeing the venue preparations, said the stadium and auxiliary facilities are being readied to handle the expected crowds and event activities. “We are working round the clock to ensure the venue is ready on time with adequate seating and stalls for exhibitors and visitors,” he said.
The festival’s marquee attraction remains the Orange Competition, which will see over 300 growers and exhibitors competing for top honours. A panel of scientist-judges will test entries for taste as well as infestation by pests and diseases. The winning orange will receive a prize of Rs. 2,00,000.
Another highlight is the Orange Queen contest, featuring 22 contestants; the winner will receive Rs. 1,50,000. Local talent will also feature prominently: “Tamenglong’s Got Talent” will showcase around 30 participants, with the top performer awarded Rs. 50,000.
A three-day entertainment line-up will include performances by The Prophets, GMP and the Band, Leander Kamson, Makok Band, Sori Senjam, Resvalni, Kohensome, Project Anonymous, Mangka Band and other artistes. A prelude to the festival on December 16 will feature a fashion show, a mini marathon, musical concerts and other entertainment, organisers said. The official program on December 18 will include an orange growers’ awareness session, followed by a beekeeping awareness session on December 19.
Arrangements have been made for homestays for visitors and guests. Additional District Magistrate Chunglenmang Kipgen, who is also the Home Stay chairman, said contact details and booking information are being uploaded to the Orange Festival pages on Facebook and Instagram. “A few were invited but everyone is expected to be part of the festival,” Kipgen said at a press conference in his office, encouraging wider participation.
A range of cultural and adventure activities will accompany the festival, including indigenous wrestling, a Tharon Cave expedition, water games at Bamgaijang village, essay and photography competitions.
Infrastructure works around the headquarters, including rigid pavement road construction, are also ongoing in preparation for the influx of visitors.
Security and traffic management will be handled by the Tamenglong Police. The Superintendent of Police assured that effective measures are being put in place to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow during the festival period.
Organisers and authorities urged residents and visitors to follow updates on official festival social media pages for schedules, homestay contacts and other logistical information.
Authorities have assured that extensive planning and coordination across various departments are in place to ensure the smooth functioning of the festival. The event is expected to attract both locals and tourists, providing a platform to showcase cultural performances, best orange competition for the Orange farmers, camping, concerts, indigeneous sport activities and foods of different delicacies can also be tasted during this festival.
This year’s Orange Festival is anticipated to be the most successful yet, as it is backed by strong community involvement and extensive preparations. Local authorities and organizers have expressed confidence in the festival’s success and are eager to welcome attendees from across the region.