Manipur’s 10-day Sangai Festival drew to a vibrant close on Sunday with a grand finale held at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre, featuring a stunning performance by the artistes from the Government Dance College. Marking the end of the 12th edition, the festival once again celebrated Manipur’s rich cultural identity, traditional arts and diverse indigenous sports, reinforcing its status as one of the state’s most prestigious cultural showcases.The closing ceremony was attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. In his address, the Governor reinforced the cultural and economic importance of the festival, noting that its successful organisation “despite challenging times” showed the resilience of the Manipuri people. He spoke about how the state government remains committed to strengthening tourism by improving infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and undertaking other developmental initiatives aimed at positioning Manipur as a major cultural tourism destination. Bhalla also highlighted the diversity of this year’s activities, which included a music festival, film festival, Manipur Polo International Tournament and a host of other events that showcased the state’s versatility. Held under the theme of ‘Festival of Oneness’, the event drew visitors from several states, reflecting its growing popularity. Over the span of 10 days, celebrations took place across multiple key locations including Imphal and Moirang, with each venue spotlighting different aspects of Manipur’s heritage – ranging from classical and folk art forms to local cuisines, crafts and music traditions.The festival derives its name from the Sangai, Manipur’s state animal and an endangered brow-antlered deer found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park. What began as an initiative to present Manipur’s art and culture to a wider audience has evolved into a major cultural tourism event for the entire Northeast region. As the curtains fell on this year’s edition, the festival once again reaffirmed its role in celebrating unity, heritage and the cultural pride of Manipur.
