IMPHAL, Nov 21 MNS NNN: The Sangai Festival 2012 began today at Hapta Kangjeibung . The inaugural function was held at BOAT.
The 10-day state level festival is being organized by the Government of Manipur and spearheaded by the Tourism Department. Around 5 lakh people are likely to visit the festival during November 21-30.
Speaking on the inaugural day of the festival, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam highlighted the immense potential of the state saying that the huge potential of Manipur in selling itself as a tourist destination cannot be overly emphasized.
Famous for its Raas Leela, Pung cholom, Thang-Ta and Lai-Haraoba, renowned for the myriad festivals of its many diverse communities such as Phit Lam, Lui-Ngai-Ni, Gan-ngai, Chumpha, Kut and many others, Manipur is a never ending story of festivities round the year, Gaikhangam said.
Tourism in Manipur is now a rapidly developing sphere of human activity reflecting the changing economic and social conditions, and the new technologies of transport which make it possible for large number of people from within and from distant places to come and spend their leisure here, he added.
He added all the stakeholders in tourism development should safeguard the natural environment with a view to achieving sound, continuous equitably and sustainable economic growth geared to satisfying equitably the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.
“All forms of tourism development that are conducive to saving rare and precious resources, in particular water and energy, as well as avoiding so far as possible waste production, should be given priority and encouraged by local public authorities,” he suggested.
He further added tourism infrastructure should be designed and tourism activities programmed in such a way as to protect the natural heritage composed of ecosystems and biodiversity and to preserve endangered species of wildlife.
The stakeholders in tourism development, and especially professionals, should agree to the imposition of limitations or constraints on their activities when these are exercised in particularly sensitive areas– hilly regions, forests or wetlands, propitious to the creation of nature reserves or protected areas, the Deputy CM further suggested.
The festival has been renamed as Manipur Sangai festival since 2010 to popularize ‘Sangai,’ the rare species of dear to be found in Manipur, which is also the state animal. In This festival, not only Indian states but foreign troupes also participate for various games and cultural activities.
Indigenous fashion show, rock show and traditional musical night are also held at BOAT. The event will be webcasted live on the official website ‘Sangaifestival@gov.in.’
Besides Gaikhangam, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution minister, M Okendro, Chief Secretary DS Poonia, 2012 Olympics bronze medalist MC Mary Kom, Royal Thai Embassy Minister Counsellor (Commercial), Tharadol Thongruang also attended the function.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tourism-festival-begins/
