Imphal: The 37th Loktak Day celebrations began across Manipur on Sunday, marking the festival’s first edition as an officially recognised annual state festival following a decision by the state Cabinet.
The celebrations, traditionally held over two days, have been expanded to include venues at Thanga and Komlakhong, with a focus on raising awareness about the conservation of Loktak Lake, Northeast India’s largest freshwater lake.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh formally launched the festivities by flagging off a promotional bike rally aimed at encouraging public participation in wetland conservation.
The Manipur Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, had approved the designation of Loktak Day as an annual state festival, to be observed on the full-moon day of the lunar month of Mera.
The opening day featured a seminar on environmental and ecological challenges affecting the lake. Environmentalist K. Jugeshwore and Manipur University professor Ksh. Lalbihari Singh discussed changes in the lake’s ecological conditions and the impact of the Ithai Barrage on its surrounding habitat.
Loktak Development Authority Superintending Engineer Ng. Sanajaoba Meitei reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting the wetland ecosystem. He described conservation as both an environmental priority and an important responsibility linked to Manipur’s cultural heritage.
The festival is jointly organised by the Loktak Development Authority and local community clubs. The programme includes cultural performances, traditional sporting events and the release of fish fingerlings to support aquatic life.
The annual observance seeks to strengthen public awareness about the need to protect Loktak Lake and its distinctive floating vegetation, which plays a crucial role in the wetland’s ecosystem.
Thanga MLA T. Robindro also appealed to residents to adopt sustainable practices to help preserve the lake. He emphasised that protecting Loktak was essential to conserving the adjoining Keibul Lamjao National Park, recognised as the world’s only floating national park.