"The Jeweled Land Awaits You"
Time of the Year: November
The Sangai festival is the most awaited festival of Manipur. This annual festival is named after the state animal, the Sangai or the brow antlered deer found only in Manipur. Started in the year 2010, the festival aims to showcase Manipur's rich cultural heritage and indigenous tradition which is still undiscovered by many.
One of the largest festivals celebrated in grandeur the festival captivates people from all over the India and around the world. A grand affair, the festival glorifies the culture, handlooms, handicrafts, indigenous sports, music, adventure sports and cuisine of Manipur. The festival promotes the cultural extravaganza of Manipur through music, dance and various native art forms that are part of the Manipuri tribes and people. Ras Leela, the classical dance form is quite famous and forms an important part along with other folk dance performances.
An opportunity for artisans and weavers to showcase their creativity and talent through the indegenous forms of handicrafts and handlooms. One can also have insights about the living-style of various tribes through the themed huts at the heritage parks.
Locals exhibit their skills in the native sports which includes the famous martial art of Manipur - Thang Ta (a combination of Spear & Sword skills) along with other sports. Sagol Kangjei is the indigenous form of polo that is extensively played here. Apart from these sports, one may also enjoy and indulge in adventure sports like trakking, white water rafting and parasailing at various locations.
A festival is never complete without the a feast! The local flavours and exotic Manipuri dishes can be relished at the food stalls in the festival grounds. The Manipuri cuisine has its own distinctive flavour because of the natural and indigenous ingredients used in preparing them.
Shrui Lily Festival
Time of the year - April/May
Another extravagant festival in honour of the state flower, Shirui Lily. The celebration is during the peak blooming season of the Shirui Lily, a rare and endangered flower that can only be found in Manipur. Shirui Lily grows on top of the Shirui hills in Manipur and cannot be replanted anywhere else in the world. The state flower of Manipur fills the air with its pleasant fragrance during the blooming season. The festival is observed primarily with an aim to spread awareness and conserve the endangered state flower. The festival provides an opportunity for people from various communities and tribes to come together, explore the highest hill-station of Manipur, the picturesque Ukhrul district and get deeper insights about the Tangkhul Naga tribe dwelling here. Climbing the Shirui hills is one of the most interesting treks in Manipur and a chance to see the rare flower, It is an ultimate treat for nature and adventure lovers.
The Shirui festival is a colourful celebration spread over 5 days showcasing numerous traditional and cultural activities. The events during the festival includes music concerts, folk performances, traditional dances, indigenous games and competitions, art and handicraft exhibitions, ethinic food eateries and various adventure activities like camping, biking and a lot more.
Barak Festival
Time of the year - Winter
Following the trend of glorifying nature, the Barak festival honours the Barak river in Manipur, one of its most important natural water resources. The festival is organized to highlight the district of Senapati, this festival has the beautiful theme of sustaining peace and harmony, celebrating a river that allow this civilization to flourish.
The festival is a showcase of traditional hospitality, richness of culture, nature's abundance and social-economic affinity of the Barak communities. The festival aims to rejuvenate and revive the cultural heritage and values of the people by bringing them together. The events organised during the festival includes musical nights, folk tales, local cuisine, indigenous dance and music, camping, trekking and lot more.
