Sangai Festival Fades Amid Manipur's Unrest

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-11-30 12:23:07 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-19 19:41:08

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The vibrant Sangai Festival, a cultural extravaganza in Manipur, has been overshadowed by a stark decline in attendance, with fewer than 9,000 visitors, a far cry from the 2.19 lakh attendees in 2022. This dramatic drop highlights the impact of ongoing protests and unrest in the region.

The festival, a celebration of Manipur's rich cultural heritage, usually attracts a diverse crowd, but this year's edition has been marred by the absence of local communities and tourists alike. The once-bustling venues now echo with emptiness, a stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere of previous years. The main cause of this drastic change is the ongoing protests by the displaced people of the Mapithel Dam, who have been demanding their right to return to their homes and lands. The protests, coupled with recent clashes, have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension, deterring visitors from attending the festival.

Despite the festival's efforts to showcase Manipur's traditional arts, crafts, and sports, the ongoing unrest has taken center stage. The organizers, who had hoped to boost the state's economy and tourism, now face a challenging task in reviving the festival's popularity. The situation underscores the delicate balance between cultural celebrations and the socio-political climate in which they are held.

As the Sangai Festival concludes, the focus shifts to the future of such events in Manipur. The state government and organizers must address the underlying issues causing the unrest to ensure the festival's survival and the region's cultural and economic prosperity. The path ahead may be uncertain, but the resilience of Manipur's people and their commitment to their heritage offer a glimmer of hope for the festival's revival.

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