The week-long 10th edition of Manipur Sangai Festival 2019, the biggest tourism festival of the State, came to an end with a glittering closing ceremony on Monday night.
The festival which started from November 24 was scheduled to conclude on November 30.
But it was extended for two days till December 2 on popular demand from the public.
The state Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and chief minister N Biren Singh were present as chief guest and functional president of the closing function held at the well decorated Bhagyachandra open air theatre at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal East district.
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Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said that the festival is a proof that the Government is consistent in its effort towards establishing Manipur tourism as a brand in the global tourism map.
She said the festival has been at the forefront in promoting not only for the travel industry but also for others including industry experts, business delegates and exhibitors from other Indian states and various other countries.
She also urged the masses particularly the talented artistes of the State to continue their efforts for improving their performance so that the rich cultural heritage of the State, both from the valley and the hills, are displayed in the true spirit for the tourists.
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On the other hand, chief minister Biren spoke about the role of Sangai Festival in bringing love and understanding, feeling of oneness among different communities.
Festival is for the people and it gives avenue to the people to showcase the State to the world, he said.
Appreciating all the officials and concerned authorities for their contribution and efforts in organizing the festival, he appealed to the people of the State to cooperate with the Government in addressing any problem by finding the reason or root of causing such problems.
Sangai Festival started since 2010 and has grown over the years into a big platform for Manipur to showcase its rich tradition and culture to the world.
It is named after the state animal, Sangai, the brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur.
Thus the festival is branded as the grandest tourism festival of the State considering its initiatives to promote Manipur as a world class tourism destination.
In fact, the inflow of the tourists particularly the foreign tourists into Manipur as per the official figure is surprisingly on the rise in the last few years.
Cultural programmes and felicitation of officials for their contribution in organizing the festival were the main highlight of Monday’s closing ceremony which was attended by Ministers, MLAs, chief secretary, state police chief, top civil and police officials.