Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov. 21 (EMN): With colour cultural dance and musical sequence, the 10-day Manipur Sangai festival got off to a colourful start at the five different locations with well-decorated Bhagyachandra open air theatre at Hafta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal as the main venue here on Wed. Nov. 21.
Other locations include Lamboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West district, Khuman Lampak sports complex in Imphal East district, Keibul Lamjao in Bishnupur district and Mao in Senapati district.
The festival has been organised to promote Manipur as a world class tourism destination besides showcasing the uniqueness of the state’s picturesque beauties including shy and gentle brow-antlered deer Sangai found at the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park in Loktak Lake.
Union Defence Minister Niramala Sitharaman was the chief guest at the inaugural function. The state Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Ministers,MLAs and top officials attended the formal inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Defence Minister highlighted the state's potential in natural resources. The visiting union minister also assures that she would extend support while developing the permanent site to exhibit the traditions of all the ethnic communities in the state.
Manipur Governor Dr Heptulla and chief minister Biren also spoke on the occasion.
Proposed participation of the Princess of Thailand, Ambassador of United States of America,Chief Ministers of Saigang and Mandalay regions of Myanmar with other foreign dignitaries,traders and cultural troupes in the festival this year will make the fest grander in scale and style.
The main attraction of the festival this time include sumo shows,international polo tournament, a series of cultural shows, fashion shows, etc.
In the morning, Sangai Run was flagged from three locations in the state apart from opening the information centre cum gift house of Kangla fort in Imphal.
