Sangai Festival, not up to mark
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 24 2012: Even as the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival aimed at putting Manipur on the tourism map of the world has fairly succeeded in drawing attention of entrepreneurs and the public, there are still many areas which are far from being systematic or scrupulous in terms of organising the mega event.

Though today is the fourth day of the 10-day long festival, around 27 stalls still remain vacant.

The stalls were fully installed only today but they have not been given power supply yet.

Nonetheless, it is possible that the vacant stalls may be filled up by tomorrow.

Even as a special variety of grass was planted at Hapta Kangjeibung as it would host the annual Sangai Festival every year, the grass could not grow properly and dust was swirling around on the fourth day.

Apart from the dusty ground, dust particles were observed on eatables being sold inside the stalls.

Notably, out of the total 796 stalls, 166 are food stalls.

As the ground may become drier and dustier in the coming days, it is advisable to take up some remedial measures otherwise all the food items may become unfit for consumption.

Compared to the previous edition, there are around 200 more stalls this time.

Viewed from this perspective, one can say that Manipur Sangai Festival has succeeded in drawing attention of entrepreneurs.

Principal Secretary O Nabakishore, chairman of the organising sub-committee said that they could not install the stalls completely in time because of the rise in number of stalls which was compounded by limited availability of construction materials.

Nevertheless, all the stalls have been fully installed today.

They have also been provided necessary chairs and tables.

He observed that the rise in number of stalls is a good sign.

It signifies the growing interest of entrepreneurs in the festival.

Tourism Commissioner Rajesh Kumar maintained that the volume of dirt and dust at Hapta Kangjeibung has been considerably reduced compared to last year.

As for the 166 stalls being opened at the festival, a team of the Imphal West Chief Medical Officer has been monitoring whether the eatables sold here are adulterated or poisonous, said Tourism Director Rishikesh Modak.

He further informed that nine cultural troupes from Tamenglong district would perform at the festival today.

Major share of the expenditure incurred in organising the festival is being borne by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, he added.

Comment