FESTIVAL OF NORTH EAST INDIA - SANGAI OF MANIPUR

India has been one of the most coveted destinations of tourists and travelers in the real sense because of the unity in diversity. Not only its natural beauty but rich heritage and culture have attracted tourists from around the world as also round the year. However, we as Indians are not aware of so many heritage sites and cultures of our own country. People across pan India are even not aware of all states and union territories, especially about North-Eastern India.

One of such festival of Manipur is the Sangai Festival which takes place from 21 November to 30 November every year. It is the cultural festival organized by the Department of Tourism, Manipur to showcase its art, culture, music, dance, cuisine, adventure sports, handloom and handicrafts to the domestic and foreign tourists.

The name of the festival has been derived from their state animal “Sangai”, a type of deer available in marshy Keibul Lamjao Wild Life Sanctuary. The festival takes place throughout the state but the main programme is organized by the state in a dedicated festival ground in Imphal, capital of Manipur.

The ten-day festival normally draws to a close at the time when the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland (01 December to 10 December) begins. The willing and interested tourists are thus able to attend both the celebrations of the adjacent states

Incidentally, Manipur is a tribal majority state with varieties of tribes having their own culture, system, and rituals. However, the major portions of the population are Vaishnavs who follow the preaching of Lord Krishna. Unlike ISCKON and other sects, these Vaishnavs do not have any prevention of having non-vegetarian cuisines.

With the intention of visiting Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, I planned to include Manipur not only to witness this rich cultural festival but also to visit a few tourists destinations which include Loktak Lake, Moirang, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Govind Jew Temple, Morey (border of Burma) and to have the flavour of the lives of the people of Manipur.

The festival for ten days include an exhibition of handicrafts, handlooms, cuisines of Manipur with the cultural festival for ten days in the evening hours in a dedicated arena named as Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT). It’s the most popular festival in Manipur, other than Holi and Janmasthami. The major portion of the dance and music is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Manipuri style of dancing has taken an important seat in the cultural heritage of India. The dress, style of dance, and musical instruments are being used in almost all the songs and dances. It’s more chanting of hymn and prayer than normal dance and song.

The unique handicrafts and handlooms of the state draw attraction to all the outside tourists and there is a huge sale of their products during this festival. Manipuri cuisine with a variety of dishes from various tribes also seeks attraction to the tourists and food stalls occupy a large portion of the festival ground for the entire festival period. Evenings attract more crowds specially gen-next population with gorgeous lights, light music, games, fun, and enjoyment.

These ten days change the the complexion of entire Manipur including Imphal and the flavor and taste of the festival is carried on till the next year.