Sangai Festival 2013

The **Sangai Festival 2013** () was organized by the Tourism Department of the Government of Manipur. The festival took place at Hapta Kangjeibung from 21 to 30 November 2013. It was a 10-day annual event aimed at promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Manipur.

Delegations from Myanmar, Thailand, and China participated in the Sangai Festival.

## Purpose and activities

The main goal of the Sangai Festival was to showcase the best of Manipur in different areas, such as:

- Art and culture

- Handloom and handicrafts

- Fine arts

- Indigenous sports

- Local cuisines and music

- Eco and adventure tourism

- Scenic natural beauty

Manipur Cycle Club participated in Sangai Festival 2013 to promote bicycle tourism with city rides and a trip to Keibul Lamjao, starting from Imphal Hotel on 24th and 26th November.

## Growing participation

Over the years, the Sangai Festival became an important cultural event in the state. Each edition attracted more attention, with growing participation from other Indian states, international traders, and cultural groups. The festival celebrated the ethnic diversity of Manipuri society and became larger in scale and style.

The festival had 600 stalls in total. These included 15 stalls from Myanmar, 15 from Thailand, and two from Bangladesh.

Out of the 600 stalls, 300 were standard stalls, 200 were premium stalls, and 100 were food stalls.

A six-member delegation of Chinese officials and the High Commissioners of Bangladesh and Mauritius also attended the festival.

### Myanmar's participation and air connectivity

For the 2013 edition, the Chief Ministers of Saigang and Mandalay Region of Myanmar confirmed their participation. In response, steps were taken to establish air connectivity between Myanmar and Manipur for the first time. This move was part of the government's plan to upgrade Imphal Tulihal Airport to international standards.

## Preparations and infrastructure

To prepare for the festival, the government carried out several infrastructure and beautification works:

- Blacktopping of main roads leading to the venue

- Installation of lighting along major roads

- Repainting of road medians

- Traffic regulations were enforced from 18 to 30 November 2013 to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion during the event.

## Criticisms and concerns

Despite the excitement, the Sangai Festival 2013 also faced criticism. Some people accused the organizers of turning the event into a commercial gala instead of focusing on promoting art, culture, and tourism.

There were complaints about the stall fees. The fee for each premier and food stall was set between Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000, compared to Rs 10,000 the previous year. This was strongly opposed by many.

Concerns were also raised about the way ticket counters, parking lots, and tent services were allocated to agents. Many questioned the transparency of the process, as no public tender had been announced.

## Budget and government spending

During the inauguration of the Maharaja Chandrakriti Auditorium at the Art and Culture Complex on 17 November 2013, Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh announced that the government would spend Rs 2.27 crores to organize the festival.

The Chief Minister started a mobile app called Manipur Jewel Land. Cube-10 made the app. It shows the tourism of Manipur.

## Environmental concerns

Questions were raised about the protection of the Sangai deer, the state animal of Manipur, after which the festival was named. Critics pointed out that while the festival highlighted the deer through statues and decorations, real conservation efforts were lacking.

Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only natural habitat of the Sangai, was facing environmental degradation. Some critics urged the public to think about the condition of the endangered deer, rather than just enjoying the festivities.

## Related pages

- Meitei festivals