Purul Paoki Festival in Manipur sees large participation, celebrating traditional farming practices, community spirit and indigenous agricultural heritage.
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IMPHAL — The annual Purul (Hiimai) Paoki Festival concluded on Wednesday with a strong turnout, showcasing traditional farming practices and community life in Manipur’s Senapati district.
Held from May 4 to 6, the festival in Purul village — located about 105 km northeast of Imphal — brought together villagers, youth volunteers and visitors in a celebration rooted in agriculture.
Organised by the Purul Youth & Students’ Organisation (PYSO) with support from the state Tourism Department, the event combined cultural heritage with hands-on participation in farming.
The festival began with preparations for a community feast. The second day featured uprooting of paddy saplings, while the final day focused on transplantation, locally known as Paobii Payu.
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Chief guest Thaithuilung Pamei, Commissioner for Agriculture, Sericulture, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, said such traditions reflect the wisdom of earlier generations while highlighting the need to adopt modern farming practices.
He said that efforts are underway to introduce improved techniques and training to enhance agricultural productivity.
PYSO president RL Nada Redeem said the festival reinforces shared values and acknowledges the role of village elders in preserving traditions.
The event also featured a traditional wrestling competition, with Veikholou from Saranamei winning the top title.
With over a thousand attendees, the Paoki Festival continues to serve as both a cultural platform and a means to promote sustainable agriculture.