Imphal, November 30 2010: The 10 days Manipur Sangai festival 2010 which got under way from November 21 with the objective of showcasing the best of the state — its rich art, culture, sport, adventure tourism, natural beauty and food – concluded today.
The state government has been organising the tourism festival for the past four years as an annual feature but even the organizers claimed this one as the biggest so far, it failed to attract crowds as in previous years.
Last year, traffic police at the Palace gate entrance to the venue of the festival had a hard time controlling the thronging crowd on the last day but, it was not so this year.
The state government has been organising the tourism festival for the past four years as an annual feature but even the organizers claimed this one as the biggest so far, it failed to attract crowds as in previous years.
Last year, traffic police at the Palace gate entrance to the venue of the festival had a hard time controlling the thronging crowd on the last day but, it was not so this year.
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The concluding function was held this evening with state Governor Gurbachan Jagat as chief guest.
The Chief Minister presided over the function in which state tourism minister, TN Haokip, MLAs T Mangibabu and I Hemochandra, chief secretary DS Poonia and tourism comisisoner, KK Chhetry attended as guests of honor.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Governor, Gurbachan Jagat expressed concern over the present law and order situation asserting that it has posed a hindrance to the development of tourism in the state.
He said, "With a view to improving the state's economy, tourism should be developed in the state and, for which all sections of people should work without any bias and prejudice." He also added that a positive attitude of appreciating the beauty and good work of fellow people should be inculcated by all.
The Governor hoped the Manipur Sangai Festival will motivate al people to work for development of tourism to make the state rich and economically independent.
Exploring the aspect of development of tourism in the state, Gurbachan Jagat said that Manipur has a rich heritage in the field of art and culture which is acclaimed the world over citing the Raas Leela dance form and the pung cholom.
The indigenous games of Polo, Yubi Lakpi, Mukna, Kang, etc., make the people of the state very athletic and enthusiastic of sports.
"This is why Manipur although a very small state in area has produced high-quality world class athletes like Mary Kom, Dinku, Suranjoy, Kunjarani, etc.," he said.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi who presided the closing ceremony asserted that acknowledging the importance of tourism for the development of the state, his government is taking up various infrastructure development works.
He said, Loktak lake, the only fresh water lake in the northeastern region of the country, has potential for attracting tourists, and that the state government has drafted a mega tourism project which has been submitted to the Union ministry of tourism for funding the project.
State tourism minister, TN Haokip, MLA T Mangibabu, MLA I Hemochandra, state chief secretary DS Poonia nd tourism commissioner KK Chhetry attended the closing function as guests of honour.