Source: Hueiyen News Service / Manipur Informatin Centre
New Delhi, September 08, 2010:
Manipur Youth affairs and Sports Minister Nongthombam Biren who was graced as Chief Guest declared the 35-day long cultural extravaganza entitled 'Festival of India- Delhi celebrates' open on September 7 at Dilli Haat, Aurobindo Marg here.
The grand national festival was kicked off with Manipur day.
The fun-filled cultural evenings to be organized by each State and the seven zonal cultural centres from September 7 to October 12 are being held as a major part of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games 2010. Thirty artistes from Manipur sponsored by the State Department of Art and Culture performed varied Manipuri dance items like Maibi Laiching Jagoi, Thougal Jagoi, Cheirol (Stick dance), Thang-Ta, Dhon Dholak Cholom, Sim Laam (Kabui), Pung Cholom and Basanta Raas in the evening and captivated the audience.
The downpour in the evening which delayed the programme for two hour did not pushed back the audience.
They waited the moment till the rain was over to have a glimpse of the colourful Manipur dances.
In her introductory speech, the Managing Director of Delhi Tourism and Transportation Corporation Rina Ray welcomed the dignitaries from Manipur who attended the celebration.
She said that the festival was organized to expose the live cultural heritages of India during the Commonwealth Games 2010.She described the downpour before the schedule time of the celebration as a good sign for an auspicious occasion.
Apart from the YAS Minister N.Biren; Dr Thokchom Meinya, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Dr Kh Ratan Kumar MLA, Chairman of MANITRON, K.K.Chhetry IAS, Commissioner (Tourism), Manipur and Shambhu Singh, IAS, Resident Commissioner, Manipur Bhavan, Delhi were the dignitaries honoured by the Delhi Tourism.
Delhi Government is organizing 'Incredible India Festival' at Baba Kharak Singh Marg here incorporating the Emporia Complex and Food Festival with some cultural programmes from October 1-14.Manipur government is ready to take part at the Incredible India Festival in front of the Manipur Panthoibi Emporium, New Delhi .
The renovation of Manipur Panthoibi Emporium is taking place in full swing.
In connection with the Commonwealth Games 2010 hosted by Delhi in October 3-14, Delhi Government conceptualized the initiative called "Delhi Celebrates" which would project the best that India had to offer in all aspects of Indian culture.