The Manipur Sangai Festival opened on November 21 with intense public anger shaping the atmosphere. The Manipur Sangai Festival, held at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal, was inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla amid sweeping protests, widespread resentment, and a sense of unease. The 12th edition resumed after a two-year gap, yet the mood remained far from festive as many communities questioned the timing.
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Protests Cast a Shadow on the Manipur Sangai Festival
This year’s Manipur Sangai Festival began under tight security. Thousands of personnel were deployed across Imphal as several groups organised demonstrations against the celebration. Internally Displaced Persons voiced their concerns strongly, saying that organising a cultural festival while families continue to live in relief camps sends a painful message. COCOMI also objected, stressing that the state must prioritise peace and rehabilitation before hosting such events. Their statements added fuel to the growing anger already spreading across districts.
Although the festival has long symbolised cultural unity, the divide in Manipur was unmistakable. Streets that once overflowed with visitors stayed empty. Protesters blocked routes to the venue in some areas, further reducing participation. Authorities encouraged locals to attend, yet the response remained cold. Many communities believed the government should have postponed the event until displaced families returned home. Organisers highlighted the festival’s cultural and economic value, but resistance continued.
Low Turnout and Heavy Security Mark the Manipur Sangai Festival
The extremely low turnout was one of the most striking features of this year’s Manipur Sangai Festival. In earlier years, thousands attended the opening event. This time, the crowd was thin and subdued. The lack of enthusiasm reflected the frustration many felt about the ongoing crisis. Residents expressed that celebrating now felt inappropriate when normalcy had not returned.
Security checkpoints surrounded the venue. Entry gates were monitored closely, and movement restrictions remained in place in sensitive zones. Despite strict measures, the atmosphere stayed tense as protesters continued voicing dissatisfaction. They remained near the venue without entering the main grounds. Meanwhile, the administration claimed the festival would help boost tourism and support local artisans, though many communities were not convinced.
The Manipur Sangai Festival is known for showcasing cultural performances, traditional arts, crafts, and cuisine. However, this year’s tension overshadowed these highlights. Several stalls opened to far fewer visitors than expected. Some performers reported delays and logistical challenges due to crowd restrictions. Although the festival returned after a two-year break, the emotional environment across the state deeply affected participation.
The government hoped the festival would send a message of resilience and unity. Yet public sentiment indicated unresolved pain. Many believed the event could have promoted healing if held after progress in rehabilitation. Instead, the timing raised concerns about priorities. The contrast between colourful decorations at the venue and the struggles of displaced families amplified disappointment.
The inauguration of the Manipur Sangai Festival this year highlighted the divide between governmental efforts to promote cultural revival and public demands for empathy. The festival, known for celebrating Manipur’s rich heritage, unfolded under uneasy circumstances. Widespread protests, a near-total boycott, and historically low turnout revealed deep unrest that cannot be ignored.
As the festival continues, the state must listen to communities that feel overlooked. The concerns raised by displaced families and civil organisations show the need for a more thoughtful approach. The Manipur Sangai Festival may have opened its gates, but true unity will depend on how the state responds to the call for peace and rehabilitation in the days ahead.