Every November, Manipur celebrates its cultural diversity, artistic traditions and natural heritage through the Manipur Sangai Festival. Named after the rare brow-antlered deer, the Sangai, the festival has grown into an important platform for presenting Manipur to visitors from across India and around the world.
The Manipur Sangai Festival 2019 was scheduled from 24 to 30 November 2019. Unlike earlier editions centred around a smaller number of locations, the 2019 programme spread activities across venues in Imphal, Bishnupur and Senapati districts, giving visitors an opportunity to experience different parts of the state.
A festival named after Manipur’s dancing deer
The Sangai is Manipur’s state animal, a rare brow-antlered deer found in the wild at Keibul Lamjao National Park in the Loktak Lake region. Often called the Dancing Deer, it is closely associated with the state’s natural identity and conservation heritage.
The festival takes its name from this distinctive animal and reflects the relationship between Manipur’s people, culture and natural environment. Since its beginning in 2010, the event has developed into a major showcase for the state’s tourism potential.
Culture, handloom and handicrafts
The festival brings together the traditions and creative skills of Manipur’s diverse communities. Visitors can experience classical and folk dance performances, traditional music, handloom textiles, handicrafts and exhibitions presenting local lifestyles and artistic practices.
Ras Leela is among the best-known classical dance traditions of Manipur. Festival performances also showcase folk forms such as Kabui Naga dance, Bamboo dance, Maibi dance, Lai Haraoba dance and Khamba Thoibi dance.
Heritage displays and themed community huts offer visitors an opportunity to learn about traditional ways of life and discover indigenous products made by artisans from different parts of the state.
Indigenous sports and adventure activities
Traditional sports are another important part of the Sangai Festival. Visitors can learn about Manipur’s distinctive sporting heritage through activities such as:
- Thang-Ta: The traditional martial art involving spear and sword techniques.
- Yubi-Lakpi: A traditional game played with a greased coconut.
- Mukna Kangjei: A traditional sport combining elements of wrestling and hockey.
- Sagol Kangjei: The traditional form of polo associated with Manipur.
The festival programme also highlights adventure tourism opportunities, including trekking, white-water rafting and parasailing.
A taste of Manipuri cuisine
Food is an essential part of the festival experience. Food stalls introduce visitors to the flavours and ingredients of Manipuri cuisine. Popular dishes include Nga-thongba, Eromba, Ooti, Bora, Paknam and Singju, along with traditional rice-based desserts.
These dishes reflect the region’s culinary traditions and the use of locally available ingredients.
Festival venues across Manipur
The 2019 edition featured activities at several locations:
- Keibul Lamjao and Loktak Lake: Opening activities, water sports and cultural programmes.
- Hapta Kangjeibung and Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre: Main festival activities, cultural programmes, food court, heritage park and closing ceremony.
- Mao: Cherry Blossom Festival activities.
- Mapal Kangjeibung: Indigenous games, adventure sports and traditional games.
- Trade and Permanent Exhibition Centre, Lamboi Khongnangkhong: Entertainment programmes and stalls featuring participants from outside the state and other countries.
Experience Manipur with The Sangai Hotel
The Sangai Festival is an invitation to discover the many dimensions of Manipur, from its classical and folk traditions to its indigenous sports, cuisine, handloom and beautiful landscapes.
For visitors exploring the festival and the attractions of Imphal, The Sangai Hotel offers comfortable accommodation, modern amenities and warm hospitality. Make Imphal your base as you discover the cultural and natural attractions of Manipur.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Sangai Hotel.
Historical note: This article describes the 2019 edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival. The dates and venue details refer to that edition and are not current event information.
Reference: Manipur Tourism – Manipur Sangai Festival 2019.