Manipur’s Sangai Festival is an esteemed State Level Tourism Festival celebrated in utmost pleasure. It is one of the most awaited annual events in the state that takes place around the month end of November. During the event, all tribes and communities come as one and manifest their rich ethnology with pomp and ceremonies. The main calling of the event is simply the indigenous activities represented in the form of art, sports, dance, and music. Food and other delicacies is another exceptional attraction too. With Sangai Festival 2023 at near end, we warn you to keep anticipating and should plan ahead to keep all troubles at bay. Should you attend this year’s Sangai Festival, prep up by reading this article below. The rest is for you to decide..
A Peek Into The Sangai Festival
The Sangai Festival is an annual event of Manipur in the Northeast region of India. The inception of the festival dates back to 2010 which is organized by the Manipur Tourism Department to promote the culture and heritage of the state. Since then, it has been an annual festival celebrated generally from 21st to 30th November annually.
The appellation as the Sangai Festival is inspired by the state animal called the Sangai Deer. It is a demure brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur. Also commonly known as Indian Eld’s deer, Sangai is endemic only in the state with natural habitat in Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), the world’s only floating national park. The festival is coined in honor of the beautiful antlered deer and celebrated with much zeal.
The Sangai Festival is an extravaganza of events. It displays the culture, tradition, a fusion of classical and modern arts, sports, literature, and quintessential display of food. And of course the event entails with many other interesting attractions. Additionally, the festival stages the uniqueness of the state’s myriads of culture that blends into an exceptional exposure for the world.
Highlights Of Sangai Festival
If you are looking for a kind of rich local experience, prep for the upcoming Sangai Festival 2023 in Imphal, Manipur to get a true cultural exposure.
- The Manipur Sangai Festival is considered as the primary celebration in the state and plays a crucial role in promoting Manipur as a popular tourist destination.
- Annually, from November 21st to November 30th, the Manipur Tourism Department organizes this festival.
- Starting from 2010, the festival was renamed the Sangai Festival to highlight the significance of the Sangai, a unique species of deer with beautiful brow antlers found in Manipur. Previously, it was known as the Tourist Festival.
- The Sangai Festival showcases Manipur’s rich contributions in art and culture, handloom and handicrafts, fine arts, indigenous sports, cuisine, music, adventure sports, and its natural environment. It aims to promote Manipur as a world-class tourism destination.
- The Sangai Deer, a rare subspecies of Eld’s deer, is exclusively found in Manipur and serves as the official mascot of the state.
Why Does Manipur Celebrate The Sangai Festival?
Sangai portrays a very unique and sensual connotation for the vibrant festival of the state. Yet, the commendation and awareness about the very endemic species in the festival itself do not hold all credit. Therefore, there is more the world should know about Manipur.
The festival significantly reflects the rich cultural heritage and various forms of arts collectively from different tribes in the state. The multiple tribes in Manipur live in diverse environments adding a reason to admire it. Additionally, the festival itself effortlessly portrays the harmonious fusion of exotic events and affairs.
Every year, the edition of the festival becomes better and has even reached out far and wide. It even earn as matter of interest to attract more footfalls in the only endemic region of the Sangai Deer.
Where In Manipur Do They Host The Event?
Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT) and Hapta Kangjeibung in Konung Mamang are the main venues for the festival. Primary cultural shows and other distinctive indigenous events take place here. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the various stalls displaying the primordial crafts, arts and venturing the gastronomy of the state.
During the week-long event, other parts of the states also hosts various activities as part of the festival including the Loktak Lake. Visitors can explicitly indulge in various activities such as boat racing, cultural events, various water sports, trekking and camping.
Sangai Festival 2023
The year 2023 will see a great progress on the Sangai Festival. That said, the Department of tourism, Government of Manipur are fully prepared to best promote the culture and traditions of Manipur. As for the overall event, the time, schedule and the venue will remain the same like the rest of the years, but with more exciting things to explore. Sangai Festival 2023 will be more than a cultural exposure but an experience that should not be missed. It will be for sure a once in a life time must-see event for everyone.
Things to see and do During Sangai Festival 2023
The 2023 Sangai festival will introduce captivating features and mesmerize its visitors in pomp and show. The essence of the festival is incomplete without the following mentions.
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- Ras Leela, a form of classical dance of the state, is getting sensational attention from the world. Its distinctiveness bags its popularity and is one of the sought entertainment in the festival. Apart from it, watch the Rongmei Naga Dance, Bamboo Dance, Maibi Dance, Khamba Thoibi Dance and other prominent dances.
- Among most palatable cuisines in the country, Manipuri dishes are gravely the best. Delish the most heavenly Nga-thongba, Eromba, Singju, Bora, Brown Rice Kheer and many other indigineous food preparations. You will not only love it but will question the recipe to cook back at home.
- Native sports such as Thang-Ta, a Spear and Sword skills; Sagol Kangjei, a modern polo; Mukna Kangjei, combination of hockey and wrestling; Yubi-Lakpi, a kind of rugby game; and others are major attractions. Join or watch as a bystander to have a euphoric experience.
- Try other activities such as trekking, white water rafting, parasailing, boat racing and many other adventure sports.
- Manipur is one of the states providing the best handicrafts and handlooms products. Purchase a lot of it to take home as souvenirs or gift it to your loved ones.
- Walk and live the life of the indigenous people of multiple tribes through the themed huts and display of their native products and creativity. Communicate and explore each tribe to have an ultimate experience of diversity.
How To Reach at The Sangai Festival
The good news for visitors visiting Imphal during the Sangai festival is that they can easily reach here via flight and road. Although train option remains the least way to reach Imphal. So, here is how you can reach Imphal.
By air:
Manipur has its international airport in Imphal and is just 9 km from the city. Several airlines such as Indigo, Air Asia and Air India cater and connect other major cities in India. You will find taxis lining up at the arrival. Place your destination and hop on to one of the taxis.
By road:
If you love a long road trip, you can start your journey from cities such as Guwahati, Dimapur, Shillong, Aizawl and many other cities from northeast India. Hitting the road will allow you to relish on the scenic beauty of the mountains and valleys.
By Train:
Reaching Imphal by train is somehow a task to manage as Manipur hardly have proper functional railway stations. However, if one prefers this way, visitors can either check for train to Jiribam Railway Station or Khongsang Railway station that run in irregular intervals. If not, Dimapur Railway station remains the nearest convenient rail-head.
Manipur has innumerable places to venture for first-timers or even for frequent visitors alike. Whilst the purpose is to celebrate the festival, you can also simultaneously visit nearby remarkable places such as Shirui Hills, Dzukou Valley, Tharon Cave and many others.
Places To Stay During The Sangai Festival 2023
Imphal valley of Manipur is a commercial hub and is no surprise to receiving visitors. Therefore there is nothing to fret about when it comes to staying during the week-long festivities of Sangai. With arrays of stays right for your any amount of budget, this city delights you into their incredible services. Enjoy staying at few home-stays shortlisted here.
