All You Need to Know About Manipur Sangai Festival

The State of Manipur comes to life during the “Manipur Sangai Festival,” a much-awaited occasion that occurs during the month of November. This festival offers a glimpse into Manipur’s evolving culture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, in addition to being a festive gala. The festival includes music, dance, and other regional art forms from the Manipuri tribes and people to showcase Manipur’s culture. The main objective of this cultural festival is to promote Manipur as the top travel destination, which now gathers visitors from all over the world. This festival is important as a topic for the aspirants of UPSC and other government exams like EPFO, SSC, etc. This article will cover the details of the Manipur Sangai Festival and its importance. Keep reading to learn more about the same!!

About the Manipur Sangai Festival

Started in 2010, the Manipur Sangai Festival is named after the rare brow-antlered deer, Sangai, found only in the regions of Manipur. 

• Organized by the Department of Tourism, the largest annual cultural festival in Manipur, the Sangai Festival, is held for ten days in the month of November in Imphal, the state’s capital. 
• The main goal is to maintain Manipur’s reputation as a top travel destination by showcasing the region’s finest artwork, unique activities, and other customs. 
• It also showcases the handloom and handicraft products of the region. It also includes the famous martial art of Manipur, named Thang-Ta, along with exotic Manipur dishes. 
• This attractive event has developed into a wonderful platform that highlights the state’s exceptional tourism potential while at the same time celebrating local traditions.

Also Read: Regional Festivals in India

About Sangai Deer

The Manipur Sangai Festival got its name from the Sangai deer, scientifically known as Rucervus eldii. More details about this rare deer can be found below:

• In Manipur’s nature and culture, this wonderful deer, also known as the Dancing Deer or the Brow Antlered Deer, has a special place.
• A combined survey by the Forest Department in 2016 estimated the population of Sangai deer to be approximately 260. 
• This rare animal has a shelter in the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, hiding in the vast area of Loktak Lake. 
• As their primary habitat, the Sangai deer relies on the park’s particular phumdi landscape, which is made up of floating vegetation.
• The Sangai deer is genuinely unique due to its amazing movement. The unique name “Dancing Deer” comes due to its graceful leaps across the rolling plants of its natural habitat. 
• In Manipur, the Sangai deer is considered the state animal and is therefore greatly respected. 
• In the field of wildlife conservation, it is included in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
• The Sangai deer is listed as an endangered species on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This shocking classification emphasizes how urgently some efforts must be made to guarantee its survival and growth.

What Can You Expect At The Manipal Sangai Festival?

Every year, a large crowd attends the Sangai Festival because it allows various Manipuri tribes and groups to celebrate their accomplishments. Over the course of the ten days of the event, you might see and experience amazing things.

• Locals can compete and take part in a variety of sports, cultural events, and activities during the yearly Sangai celebration.
• An important part of Manipuri culture and customs are dances. A large number of the Sangai Festival’s performances feature Ras Leela, the state’s traditional dance form. Globally recognized is Manipur’s Ras Leela. Additional examples of traditional dance performances are the Khamba Thoibi dance, Lai Haraoba dance, Maibi dance, Bamboo dance, and Kabui Naga dance.
• The craftsmen and weavers showcase their skills and originality at the festival. During this time, you can purchase the lovely Manipuri shawls and bamboo handicrafts.
• One can taste delicious drinks and foods prepared with regional spices and ingredients. Famous Manipuri foods include Nga-thongba (fish curry), Iromba (a dish made with fermented fish and boiled vegetables), Bora (pakoda), Paknam (a baked cake made with gram flour mixed with other ingredients), Singju (a hot and spicy traditional salad), and brown rice kheer.
• Explore a few more nearby places if you want your Sangai festival to be more fulfilling. Senapati District’s Cherry Blossom Festival, which is a part of the larger Sangai Festival, is a delightful occasion that no one should miss.
• Take part in the festival by going on a camping trip to one of Manipur’s less-traveled areas or by walking to Dzukou.
• Explore the historical park to gain insight into the various indigenous groups’ lifestyles through the display of delicately reconstructed huts.
• Find out more about the indigenous sports of Manipur, including boating, parasailing, Thang-Ta, and Sagol Kangjei.
• Explore the lovely city, the markets, and other places that are covered up by the white, floating clouds and the blue sky.

Also Read: Wangala Festival

How to Reach Manipur for the Sangai Festival

It can be difficult to get to Manipur during the festivities if you haven’t reserved tickets in advance for the preferred mode of transportation. Here is a short guide of how you can visit Manipur via various transports.

Roadways: The best way to get to Manipur if you live nearby in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, or Assam is by road.

Railways: Manipur is not directly accessible via the railways because it lacks railway services. With a distance of 215 km, the nearest railway station is Dimapur. This is the best route to Manipur if you can drive this far to Imphal.

Airways: The most efficient way to get to Manipur is via aeroplane. The distance between Imphal’s main city and the airport is only 6 km. The 6 km distance can also be traveled by other means, like public transport.

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