NEW DELHI: Manipur’s Sangai Festival, the state’s biggest cultural event, opened in Imphal on Friday. The festival. The ten-day festival, which will run till 30 November, is named after the rare Sangai deer.The festival showcases Manipur’s traditions, handloom, food, indigenous sports, and local crafts. Every year, it brings together more than 35 tribes and communities. This year’s edition includes events across multiple venues under the theme “Where blossoms breathe harmony.” Officials said the aim is to highlight Manipur’s cultural identity and support local livelihoods.

Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the 10-day festival at the Bhagya Chandra Open Air Theatre in Imphal. Addressing the gathering, he said the Sangai Festival represents resilience and social harmony. He added that the expanded format this year reflects the state’s efforts to revive the economy and support artisans, youth, and small businesses.He said the festival celebrates the idea of a “Festival of oneness” by bringing together cultural performances, crafts, indigenous dance, and traditional sports from across the hills and the valley. He acknowledged the situation of internally displaced persons and said their welfare remains a priority, pointing to ongoing rehabilitation measures. At a programme in Senapati, deputy commissioner Mamoni Doley said the festival helps the region gain national and international attention.

Named after the rare Sangai deer found only in Manipur, the festival has grown since 2010 into a major platform to showcase the state’s heritage. The aim of the festival is to bring more domestic and international tourists to the state by highlighting Manipur’s diverse cultures and landscapes. It gives local artisans, weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs a chance to display their work and find new markets. The festival also promotes traditional sports like Mukna Kangjei, introduces visitors to adventure tourism, and encourages cultural exchange by inviting participants from other Indian states and abroad.