Manipur Sangai Festival 2025 concludes amidst protests

IMPHAL — The 10-day Manipur Sangai Festival 2025, held amidst widespread protests by internally displaced persons (IDPs), concluded with a closing ceremony at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT) in Imphal on Sunday evening under tight security.

The event marked the end of the state's premier cultural and tourism showcase, which returned after a two-year hiatus. The festival, themed 'Festival of Oneness', celebrated the state's spirit by showcasing its rich indigenous heritage through dance, music, crafts, and traditional sports.

The Sangai Festival, the state's biggest annual event organised by the government to promote tourism, was suspended for two years due to unrest. It was held from November 21 to 30.

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Addressing the closing ceremony, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla praised the state government's proactive approach to promoting tourism, appreciating the Indian Association of Tour Operators' initiatives in this regard.

He acknowledged the challenges faced but noted that the 12th Manipur Sangai Festival 2025 concluded on a note of unity and cultural pride.

Bhalla highlighted the state government's focus on strengthening Manipur's tourism potential through strategic promotion and major infrastructure projects, adding that the festival served as an important outreach platform, bringing together tourism stakeholders from across the country and abroad.

The governor further highlighted that the festival’s diverse activities, from the Sangai Film Festival to the traditional sports events, demonstrated the vibrancy of Manipuri arts, sports, and community spirit.

He expressed the gratitude to the various departments and the people of Manipur for their cooperation, remarking that their collective efforts ensured the smooth conduct of the festival and reaffirmed its message of unity and resilience.

Artistes from the Government Dance College stole the show at the closing ceremony, presenting a captivating choreographic performance that conveyed a powerful message of unity and showcased the state's rich cultural heritage.

The evening's attendees included State Chief Secretary PK Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Advocate General, GOC 3 Corps, senior state government officials, and members of the civil, police, and military forces, along with a gathering of public figures.

Earlier in the day, internally displaced persons (IDPs) took to the streets, staging a sit-in demonstration at the western gate of the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, protesting the Sangai Festival. The IDPs, currently sheltering in relief camps, questioned the government's decision to host the festival, arguing that it contradicted claims of normalcy in Manipur.

They demanded that authorities prioritise resolving the ongoing conflict and arranging resettlement for those displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023, rather than focusing on tourism events. The protesters insisted that they should be allowed to return home and resume their normal lives before hosting festivals.