This edition of the festival is special for several reasons. First, it marks the return of large-scale international participation after pandemic restrictions. Second, the state government has expanded the festival venues, including Imphal’s historic Kangla Fort, Loktak Lake, and the Khuman Lampak Stadium.

The festival features vibrant cultural performances, including classical Manipuri dance, folk music, and traditional martial arts like Thang Ta. Visitors can also explore local handicrafts, handlooms, and cuisine, offering a complete cultural immersion.

Tourism Minister G. K. Ranjit Singh highlighted the festival’s role in promoting Manipur as a global tourist destination. “This year, we have curated new events and expanded our outreach to attract more international tourists. The 12th Sangai Festival reflects Manipur’s heritage and natural charm,” he said.

Eco-tourism and wildlife conservation are also key themes this year. The festival includes educational tours and exhibitions on the Sangai deer and Loktak Lake’s floating phumdis, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Organizers expect a record number of visitors this year, which could provide a boost to the local economy. Hotels, homestays, and local businesses are preparing for a surge in tourism.

The 12th Sangai Festival runs until the end of November, offering a unique opportunity for tourists and culture enthusiasts to experience Manipur’s living traditions, scenic beauty, and ecological heritage.

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According to police officials, the video was uploaded by a user linked to an insurgent outfit. In the clip, the individual threatened to cause an explosion at the festival site, prompting immediate action from law-enforcement agencies. Following technical surveillance and coordinated field operations, police tracked down and arrested three suspects believed to be involved in issuing and circulating the threat.

Authorities said the arrests were made to ensure that the Sangai Festival continues without disruption. The event showcases Manipur’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism potential, drawing thousands of visitors from across India and abroad. Given the volatile security situation in the state, the threat was taken seriously, and security around festival venues has been intensified.

Officials said interrogation of the suspects is underway, and further investigations may reveal whether a larger network was involved. Additional security personnel have been deployed at key festival points, including Imphal, Moirang, and other venues hosting cultural and tourism activities.

The Manipur government has assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken to maintain peace during the festival. Despite the threats, visitors continued to attend events, with organisers emphasizing that the festival will proceed as scheduled.

The arrests highlight the challenges authorities face in maintaining security amid persistent militancy in the region, especially during large public gatherings.

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Chanting slogans like “We boycott Sangai Festival” and “Displaced lives matter”, the demonstrators accused the administration of prioritising a cultural celebration while thousands of internally displaced people continue to suffer due to the ongoing unrest in the state. When the group tried to force its way into the venue, police acted quickly, firing tear gas shells to push the crowd back and prevent them from entering the festival site.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February, and tensions between the Governor-led administration and civil society organisations continue to deepen. COCOMI and other Meitei groups have repeatedly urged citizens to oppose the festival, calling for a dawn-to-dusk shutdown across the valley on November 21. According to them, hosting a major public event without addressing the plight of displaced families is insensitive and unjustified.

Despite repeated appeals from protestors, the state government has urged residents to support the annual festival, which is scheduled to run from November 21 to 30. The Sangai Festival, organised by the tourism department, is one of Manipur’s biggest cultural exhibitions and is viewed as a crucial platform to revive tourism and present Manipur’s heritage to visitors.

With fresh clashes erupting a day before the event, uncertainty looms over the festival’s opening, even as authorities tighten security to ensure that the celebrations proceed as planned.

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A 24-hour general strike called by the outlawed KCP-MC (Progressive) on Wednesday brought normal life in the Imphal valley to a standstill. Shops, schools, markets and offices remained shut, while roads wore a deserted look as residents complied with the shutdown. The rebel group had earlier announced a boycott on November 9, citing the “collapsed law-and-order situation.”

IDPs—displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, leaving over 260 dead and more than 60,000 displaced—are preparing for sit-in protests from Thursday. Many have spent more than a year in relief camps and argue that the government must prioritize security, rehabilitation and restoration of rights before hosting any public celebrations.

The festival, named after the endangered Sangai deer, showcases Manipur’s culture, arts and indigenous traditions. First held in 2003 and rebranded in 2010, it is the state’s premier annual cultural event.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) has also declared a total boycott and called for a ceasework on the opening day. “Security and justice before festival façade. No peace, no Sangai Festival,” said convenor Khuraijam Athouba.

Despite the escalating opposition, the government—currently under President’s Rule—has appealed for public participation, saying the festival is vital for economic revival, boosting tourism and supporting artisans. Whether the event can draw crowds amid widespread resentment remains uncertain.

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