Sangai Festival 2011

Manipur Sangai Festival 2011 () was a state-level cultural and tourism festival held in Imphal, Manipur, India, from 21 to 30 November 2011. It was organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, to promote the state's tourism potential under the theme "Destination Manipur". Business delegates and cultural groups from Myanmar, Thailand, and Kenya are also taking part in the 10-day festival. The northern side of the festival ground has a total of 302 stalls.

 Background 

Manipur is a state often described as a "little paradise". India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, once called Manipur "The Jewel of India".

The Meiteis, and the tribal groups have lived together in harmony for centuries. They are known for their unique culture, traditional dances, folk tales, indigenous games, martial arts, handlooms, and handicrafts.

 Objectives 

The festival aimed to:

 Showcase Manipur’s art and culture

 Promote eco-tourism and adventure tourism

 Highlight indigenous sports

 Present local cuisine and crafts to domestic and foreign visitors

 Main venues 

 Cultural and Exhibition Events: Hapta Kangjeibung (Palace Compound)

 Indigenous Sports: Mapal Kangjeibung

 Adventure Sports: Various locations across districts in Manipur

 Cultural Events 

The cultural programs included traditional dances and music from different communities of Manipur:

 Lai Haraoba

 Raas Dance

 Pung Chollom

 Tribal dances and music

 Indigenous music performances

 Indigenous games 

The festival featured demonstrations of traditional Manipuri sports:

 Sagol Kangjei (Manipuri style of Polo)

 Kang (Meitei game)

 Yubi Lakpi

 Mukna Kangjei

 Arambai

Mapal Kangjeibung, said to be the world's oldest living polo ground, hosted the events.

 Adventure and eco-tourism activities 

Adventure sports and eco-tourism events were organized by the Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA). Activities included:

 Power Parasailing

 Obstacle courses at Lamdan Adventure Park

 Rock climbing

 Trekking

 Expeditions to Shiroi Hill, Tharon Cave, Barak Waterfall, and Zeilad Lake

 Cycle expeditions across Manipur

 Boating and rope bridge activities at Mini Adventure Tourism Complex

 X-Game International Speed Climbing Competition

 Handloom and handicrafts expo 

An exhibition and sale of Manipur's traditional handloom and handicraft items were held during the festival.

 Food and hospitality 

Food courts offered traditional Manipuri cuisine to visitors.
In the hospitality sector, the Hotel Imphal, run by the Tourism Department, was being upgraded to 5-star status. The Classic Hotel, a 3-star facility, was managed by a local entrepreneur.

 Tourist attractions 

Visitors to the festival also had the opportunity to explore important places in Manipur, such as:

 INA Museum at Moirang

 Khongjom War Memorial

 Cultural Complex at Andro, Imphal East

 India Peace Memorial at Maibam Lokpaching

 Loktak Lake (largest freshwater lake in Northeast India)

 Keibul Lamjao National Park

 Accessibility 

Entry Formalities: As per a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division), Government of India, on 30 December 2010, the entire state of Manipur was excluded from the Protected Area regime. This allowed foreign tourists to visit Manipur without special permits.

 Festival Schedule 

 Cultural Events at Hapta Kangjeibung (4:30 PM Daily) 

 21 Nov: Opening Cultural Presentation

 22 Nov: Cultural Show by Selected Artists

 23 Nov: Senapati District Cultural Day

 24 Nov: Tamenglong District Cultural Day

 25 Nov: Churachandpur District Cultural Day

 26 Nov: Chandel District Cultural Day

 27 Nov: Ukhrul District Cultural Day

 28–29 Nov: Cultural shows and Rock Show

 30 Nov: Closing Ceremony and Musical Evening

 Indigenous Games at Mapal Kangjeibung (2:00 PM) 

 23 Nov: Demonstration of Arambai and Polo

 24 Nov: Khong Kangjei

 25 Nov: Mukna

 26 Nov: Yubi Lakpi

 27 Nov: Polo and Arambai at Mapal Kangjeibung; Kang at Kangshang, Khuman Lampak Complex

 Adventure Tourism 

 21–26 Nov: Mt. Issi and Dzukou Valley Expedition (Senapati District)

 22 Nov: Obstacle Adventure and Loktak Lake Tour

 23–27 Nov: Power Paragliding (Koirengei)

 24 Nov: Trekking at Shilheipung Ecopark

 25–26 Nov: Shiroi Hill and Kangkhui Cave (Ukhrul District)

 26–30 Nov:

 Cycle Expedition across Manipur

 Tharon Cave, Barak Waterfall, Zeilad Lake (Tamenglong District)

 Speed Climbing Competition (Hapta Kangjeibung)

 21–30 Nov: Adventure activities at Mini Adventure Tourism Complex

 Related pages 
 Meitei festivals

 References 

Category:Sangai Festival
Category:2011