Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 21 2009:
Manipur Tourism Festival 2009 and Best of Asia Expo opened at the southern extension of BT Park here since April 12 concluded today.
In addition to various stalls showcasing and offering for sale different artistic items and craft products, food items of different ethnic groups of Manipur, there were stalls from Thailand and Pakistan selling their indigenous food items, ornaments and jewellery
etc.
Even after the festival was formally closed, a large number of people coming from different parts of Manipur were seen crowding the stalls to purchase the items of their choice.
Renowned theatre director Ratan who graced the closing function of the festival as chief guest observed that the festival appeared to have assumed a significant and popular character.
Had there been no restrictions on the entry of foreign tourists in Manipur, tourism festivals could have evolved into an amazingly grand event, he opined.
Highlighting the richness of Manipur in the fields of art and culture, Ratan Thiyam stressed on the importance of developing tourism in Manipur.
He said that tourism festivals should be organised every year for development of tourism sector.
Among others, the closing function was also attended by Advocate General N Koteshore, Counsellor of the Office of the Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy Tharadol Thongruang and Tourism Secretary BB Sharma.