Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (November 30, 2022) addressed the Manipur Sangai Festival and labeled the grandest festival in the northeastern state as a world-class tourism destination. The festival is named after the state animal, Sangai, the brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur. Addressing the gathering in a virtual mode, PM Modi congratulated the people of Manipur for the successful organization of the festival. He said that the festival is being organized after a gap of two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and expressed delight at the grand scale of arrangements.
“Manipur Sangai Festival highlights the spirit and passion of the people of Manipur,” Modi remarked as he applauded the efforts and the comprehensive vision of the Manipur Government and Chief Minister N Biren Singh for organizing this festival.
Speaking on Manipur’s abundant natural beauty, cultural richness, and diversity, Prime Minister Modi said that everyone wants to visit the state at least once and drew an analogy to a beautiful garland that is made up of different gems.
He further added that Manipur is precisely like an elegant garland where one can witness a mini India in the state.
Prime Minister Modi also underlined that India, in its Amrit Kaal, is moving forward with the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Shedding light on the theme of the Sangai Festival — the ‘Festival of One-ness’ — PM Modi remarked that the successful organization of this festival would act as a source of energy and inspiration for the nation in the days to come.
“Sangai is not only the state animal of Manipur but also has a special place in India’s faith and beliefs. The Sangai Festival also celebrates the biodiversity of India” he said.
The Prime Minister further added that it celebrates India’s cultural and spiritual ties with nature.
He also stated that the festival inspires indispensable social sensitivity towards a sustainable lifestyle.
“When we make nature, animals, and plants a part of our festivals and celebrations, then co-existence becomes a natural part of our life,” he remarked.
PM Modi expressed delight that the Sangai Festival is being organized not just in the state capital but in the entire state, thereby giving an extension to the spirit of the ‘Festival of One-ness’.
He pointed out that different moods and colors of the festival could be seen at around 14 locations from the Nagaland border to the Myanmar border.
“When we connect such events with more and more people, only then its full potential comes to the fore,” he said.
During the 5-minute virtual address, Modi also touched upon the centuries-old tradition of festivals and fairs in our country and pointed out that it not only enriches our culture but also boosts the local economy.
He said that events like the Sangai Festival are a major attraction for investors and industries as well.
“I have full faith that in the future, this festival will become a powerful medium of gaiety and development in the state,” Modi said.