Thailand princess Sirindhorn to attend Manipur’s Sangai festival

Imphal, Oct. 29 (PTI): Thailand Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will visit Imphal next month to attend the Sangai festival, an annual programme organized by the state government to promote Manipur as a global tourism destination.
The 10-day festival, beginning on November 21, will showcase the culture, handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisines and music of Manipur, an official release issued on Sunday by Directorate of Information and Public Relations said.

Among others who would be gracing the fest include chief ministers of Sagaing and Mandalay regions of Myanmar and US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster.
The director of Manipur State Cooperative Bank Limited has recently handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to Chief Minister N Biren Singh for the 10-day gala, the release said.

Earlier, Panthoibi Housing Finance Company Limited had donated another Rs 5 lakhs for the festival.
“Three venues have been chosen to host the event, which will witness the presence of many dignitaries between November 21 and 30,” the release stated.

It also said that the CM has expressed his happiness over the support pouring in for the festival.
“People extending support and co-operation for the festival is a positive sign and would lead to its grand success,” the official statement said quoting Singh.

An official of the tourism department said Princess Sirindhorn will spend a night in the capital town before returning to
Thailand.

The office-bearers from Royal Thai Embassy in Delhi will be visiting the state on November 21 to monitor the preparations for the festival, he added.