Sangai Festival

The Sangai Festival is Manipur's largest tourism festival, named after the state animal - the Sangai deer (brow-antlered deer), which is found only in Manipur. This grand celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage, indigenous sports, cuisines, handloom, and handicrafts of the state.

Held annually in November, the festival has grown into a major cultural event that attracts visitors from across India and abroad. It serves as a platform to promote Manipur as a world-class tourism destination and to highlight the state's unique cultural identity.

The Sangai Festival was first organized in 2010 and was initially known as the "Tourism Festival." It was later renamed to honor the Sangai, Manipur's state animal and an endangered species found only in the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park in Loktak Lake.

Over the years, the festival has expanded in scope and scale, becoming a showcase for Manipur's diverse cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and natural beauty. The Government of Manipur organizes this festival to promote tourism and to preserve and celebrate the state's rich cultural legacy.

The Sangai Festival features a wide range of activities and events spread across multiple venues in Imphal and other districts:

• Cultural Programs: Performances of classical Manipuri dance, folk dances of various tribes, indigenous music, and theatrical presentations.
• Indigenous Sports: Demonstrations and competitions of traditional Manipuri sports like Sagol Kangjei (Polo), Yubi Lakpi (a form of rugby), and Mukna (wrestling).
• Handloom and Handicrafts: Exhibitions and sales of Manipur's famous handloom products, including the exquisite Manipuri silk fabrics, and traditional handicrafts.
• Cuisine Festival: Food stalls offering a variety of traditional Manipuri dishes and cuisines from different communities.
• Adventure Tourism: Activities like trekking, water sports at Loktak Lake, and other adventure sports.
• Film Festival: Screenings of films from the Northeast and discussions on cinema.
• Beauty Pageant: The Miss Sangai Beauty Contest, which celebrates the beauty and talent of Manipuri women.

The Sangai Festival is a great opportunity to sample Manipur's diverse culinary traditions. Some of the special foods featured during the festival include:

• Eromba: A traditional Manipuri dish made with boiled vegetables, fermented fish, and chili.
• Singju: A salad made with various vegetables, herbs, and fermented fish.
• Chamthong: A vegetable stew cooked with minimal spices.
• Morok Metpa: A spicy chutney made with roasted chilies.
• Black Rice Kheer: A sweet dessert made with Manipur's famous black rice.
• Various tribal cuisines: Dishes specific to different tribal communities of Manipur.