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