All that you need to know about Sangai Festival Manipur

Sangai Festival Manipur – Numerous attractions in the exotic Northeast of India can entice visitors from all across India and the world. While you can be in awe of the region’s beautiful scenery and natural beauty, one of the main draws of these states is their vibrant cultures and tribes.

The Sangai Festival in Manipur is back in a big way. The event, which was formerly held in Imphal, has since spread to various locations, and this year it will take place at Moirang’s newly constructed Sangai Ethnic Park. Manipur is best known for its natural beauty as well as its unique and colorful cultural heritage. The Sangai Festival is a perfect example of this rich culture. This festival is a celebration of Manipur’s dance, music, and cuisine.

The Keibul Lamjao National Park, where the threatened Sangai or brow-antlered deer can be found, is adjacent to the city. The only “floating” national park in the world is a well-liked stop for tourists traveling through the Northeast. The 40 square kilometer park is situated on a phumdi, on the lake’s southeast shore.

More about Sangai Festival

The Sangai Festival is organized by the Government of Manipur in November. The festival is organized to promote tourism in the state of Manipur and also to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Manipur. The festival is named after the Sangai, the state animal of Manipur. The Sangai is a rare and endangered species of deer found only in the state of Manipur.

The Manipur Southern Cultural Centre will host the Sangai festival at Khuga and Behiang as well. President Droupadi Murmu is invited to attend the festival this year.

The Sangai festival continues to be jam-packed with events to ensure that the guests never get bored. To fully appreciate the variety and subtleties of Manipur’s life and culture, which are on display at the festival, you need a few days. The festival draws tourists from Southeast Asian nations in addition to those from India.

Dances:

The state’s traditional dance, Ras Leela, plays a significant role in the Sangai Festival performances. The Kabui Naga dance, Bamboo dance, Maibi dance, Lai Haraoba dance, and Khamba Thoibi dance are some further examples of traditional dance performances in the festival.

Sports:

Locals demonstrate their prowess in Thang Ta, a well-known martial art in Manipur. The native also engages in sports like Sagol Kangjei. The festival also includes Yubi-Lakpi and Mukna Kangjei. You can also expect to see and experience adventure sports at the festival’s many venues.

Trekking, white water rafting, and parasailing are typically included in the festival’s adventure and outdoor activities.

Handicrafts:

The Sangai Festival is a prominent place to showcase Manipur’s handicrafts and handlooms. During this season, you can purchase stunning Manipuri scarves and bamboo handicrafts.

Food:

All of the unique and distinctive Manipuri foods could be found at the festival. Nga-thongba (fish curry), Iromba (a meal cooked with boiling vegetables and fermented fish),  Paknam (a baked cake), Singju (a spicy hot traditional salad), and many more can be found at the festival’s food vendors.

Local Built Heritage:

At the heritage park, a themed display of huts will be built up so you can get a glimpse into the way of life of the local tribes.

How to Get to Imphal:

One can board a flight to Imphal from major cities in India. Dimapur is the nearest railhead. It takes around 8 hours to get from Dimapur to Imphal. Imphal is also accessible by bus from Guwahati.