Imphal: Manipur Sangai Festival, 2022 organised under the theme “Festival of Oneness” will be a grand event and will be organised in around 13 venues across the State, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said Tuesday during the curtain raiser event of the festival this morning at western gate of Kangla.
The curtain raiser event was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, Ministers and MLAs.
We are not confining the festival in the city alone, we want public involvement in the festival from every corner of the State and truly make it state-wide, said N. Biren Singh, adding that Mao, bordering Nagaland will also be hosting a curtain raiser today.
Further stating that the main venue for the festival will be at Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou, the Chief Minister said the public may now visit the park where permanent structures are being constructed so that the festival may be organized there every year.
He also thanked and appreciated the people and MLAs of Thanga and Moirang Assembly Constituencies for their cooperation and support to all the construction works and said not a single compensation was sought by the public during the whole construction work including road widening process.
The Chief Minister also said that various events will be included in this year’s edition of the festival including indigenous Sagol Kangjei inside the Kangla Kangjeibung. The festival will also have an Arambai throwing event, he said.
Further in his speech, the Chief Minister appealed to the people that the festival there will witness many tourists visiting the State and that we have to show our best behavior and that it would be the time to showcase and highlight our culture, civilization, decency, discipline, etc.
N. Biren Singh also highlighted that events will be held at Makhel in Senapati, Behiang and Geljang in Churachandpur among others.
The Chief Minister along with the other dignitaries also released the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2022 theme song by Mangka Mayanglambam and balloons to mark the opening of the curtain raiser event. Rhythms of Manipur also presented their Dancing Drummer. Other highlights include pung cholom, blowing of conch and penna invocation.
N. Biren Singh flagged off the Sangai Run which will conclude at Indoor Stadium after passing through Lamlong Bazar, Kongba Bazar, Pishumthong, Keishampat, etc.
Renowned film actress of the State Soma Laishram was declared festival ambassador by the Chief Minister. Other well-known personalities from different fields including former national and world champion boxer Laishram Sarita, actors Gurumayum Bonny, RK Somorendro (Kaiku), Hijam Bala, Ningombam Biju and Designer Robert Naorem among others also attended the event.
The Chief Minister also launched the online lottery for distribution of Sangai Festival stalls.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister along with Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, DGP P. Doungel and others inspected the ongoing work at the Sangai Ethnic Park.
