Imphal: Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel has appealed to the people of the state to wholeheartedly participate in the 10-day Sangai Festival, which will kick off on November 21.
The festival, which was suspended in 2023 following the outbreak of ethnic violence, is set to make a comeback this year after a two-year hiatus.
The Sangai Festival is Manipur’s largest annual tourism event, showcasing the state’s cultural heritage, traditional crafts, indigenous games and diverse cuisine.
However, the event faces opposition, with several internally displaced persons (IDPs) and civil society organisations announcing a boycott — a stance that has now been endorsed by the Manipur Congress.
In a statement, Goel said that while the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs remains the state government’s top priority, organising the Sangai Festival is also crucial for reviving economic activity and creating market linkages for local artisans, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and farmers. He emphasised that the event could boost trade, investment, and wider exposure for Manipur.
Responding to the concerns of groups calling for a boycott, Goel underscored the government’s continued support for affected families. He noted that the state is currently allocating Rs 18 crore each month toward monetary assistance and the management of relief camps for IDPs.
The chief secretary further said that the Centre has allocated Rs 523 crore under a Special Relief Package, which includes Rs 180 crore for housing restoration and Rs 250 crore for rebuilding public assets — such as health centres, community halls, water supply systems, and schools — in areas where IDPs are set to be resettled.
Goel said the festival is intended to highlight Manipur’s rich art, culture, indigenous sports, and its strengths in tourism and IT, helping to rebuild the state’s image both nationally and internationally.
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“The state government fully acknowledges the immense hardship faced by our people, especially the IDPs,” he said, adding that significant measures have been undertaken to provide immediate relief as well as long-term rehabilitation.
“The state government appeals to the people of Manipur to participate with enthusiasm in the Sangai Festival 2025,” the statement concluded.
