Manipur to witness first floating stage at Sangai fest

Our Correspodent
Imphal, Nov. 16 (EMN): Hectic construction works are on at the set up of Manipur’s first ever floating stage at Sendra area of Loktak Lake as part of the upcoming 8th Manipur Sangai festival 2017 which is a tourism event of the state.
The 10 day festival which is scheduled to be held at Hafta Kangjeibung in Imphal, Lamboi Khongnangkhong and Keibul Lamjao simultaneously from November 21 will be witnessing many cultural shows and performances over the floating stage as curtain raiser of the festival prior to the main opening show.
The floating stage which has the carrying capacity of nearly 1000 people measuring an area of about 9600 square foot (120 x 80ft) is being developed by 15 workers including 10 carpenters using 1220 plastic barrels and 3200 kbs of well furnished (wood) ‘upbaks’ since the past 30 days, according to workers.
State Chief Minister N Biren Singh also inspected the construction activities at the main venue-Hapta Kangjeibung and trade and permanent exhibition centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong venues on Thursday.
During his visit, he directed the officials of various departments to expedite preparations for successful conduct of the festival.
He further instructed the officials of Environment, PWD and Forest Department to make Imphal clean and green during the festival.
Rajya Sabha MP Ksh. Bhabananda Singh, Forest and Environment minister Th Shyamkumar, MLA and Chairman, Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited Dr Sapam Ranjan, Principal Secretary (Tourism) PK Singh, Special Secretary (Tourism) R Sudhan accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection.
The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate festival. The curtain raiser of the festival will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Biren Singh at Keibul Lamjao on Nov. 19.