Sangai Festival 2022

The **Manipur Sangai Festival 2022** () was the 11th edition of Manipur’s biggest tourism and cultural event. It was held from 21 to 30 November 2022 at 14 venues across the state, including Moirang Khunou, Imphal, Mao, and Behiang. The festival celebrated the theme “Festival of Oneness”, showcasing Manipur’s cultural heritage and traditions.

## Background and preparation

Before the festival, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh visited Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur District to inspect the construction of the Sangai Ethnic Park, the main venue for the event. He was accompanied by Rajya Sabha Member Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, government officials, and local representatives.

The Chief Minister said that the park was a long-term investment to promote tourism, create jobs, and reduce yearly costs for festival venues. He also announced plans to establish a Tourist Police unit in every district to assist and guide visitors. These police would receive basic training, wear a different uniform, and would not carry weapons.

During his visit, the Chief Minister also inspected progress at the Manipur Olympian Park in Sangaithel.

## Inauguration

The festival was inaugurated on 21 November 2022 by Union Minister for Tourism, Culture, and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, at the newly built Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang Khunou. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, ministers, MLAs, and senior officials attended the ceremony.

In his speech, Minister Reddy expressed happiness at meeting representatives from 33 communities of Manipur gathered in one place. He invited people from across India to visit the state. Chief Minister Biren Singh described the festival as a Festival of Oneness, aimed at promoting unity, belonging, and pride among the state’s indigenous communities.

## Venues

The Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 was celebrated across 14 locations in the state, including:

- Moirang Khunou (Bishnupur District) – main venue

- Hapta Kangjeibung (Imphal East District)

- Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal West District)

- Kangla Polo Ground (Imphal West District)

- Khuman Lampak (Imphal East District)

- Heingang (Imphal East District)

- Behiang and Khuga Dam (Churachandpur District)

- Mao and Makhel (Senapati District)

The opening ceremony took place at Moirang Khunou, while the closing ceremony was held at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal.

## Cultural and sporting events

The 10-day event featured a wide range of cultural and sporting activities, including:

- Fashion shows and handloom and handicraft exhibitions

- Sangai Run and Half Marathon

- Tourism Pavilion, Flower Show, and Photography Exhibition

- Traditional games such as Arambai, Mukna, Yubi Lakpi, and Sagol Kangjei (traditional polo)

- International Polo Tournament

- Mixed Martial Arts, Film Screenings, and Tunnel Light Show

- Cultural performances included songs and dances from various communities, such as Kuki dance, Leisem Jagoi, Maram dance, Mao dance, Thougal Jagoi, Phousa Jagoi, Zou dance, Moirang Parva, Tangkhul folk music, Kabui folk song, and others. Artists from different parts of India and international troupes also performed.

Major attractions included the 70-foot Polo Statue of Ibudhou Marjing at Heingang and shows like Meitei Wari, Dhol-Dhulok Cholom, and Thang Ta Chainaba. The Cherry Blossom Festival at Mao served as a curtain-raiser event.

## Theme song and special guests

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched the festival’s official theme song “Manipur”, sung by local folk artist Mangka. The song promoted unity and pride in Manipur’s heritage.

Bollywood actors and former Miss Universe titleholders Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta Bhupathi, along with actress Nargis Fakhri, were special guests at fashion events during the festival. They walked the ramp for designer Robert Naorem and other Manipuri designers.

## Support and participation

The Manipur Home Guard Employees Association donated ₹5 lakh to support the event. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh thanked the association for their contribution.

Over 200 runners participated in the Sangai Marathon, which started from Martyrs Park near NH-2 and concluded at the Cherry Blossom Festival venue.

## Tourism and security arrangements

For the first time, the Manipur Police Department introduced a Tourist Police team to assist visitors during the festival. Teams were stationed at key locations, including Imphal Airport. Traffic diversions, restrictions, and parking spaces were also arranged to manage the crowds.

## Related pages

- Meitei festivals