Horse race galloped at Sangai Festival

Impha: Manipur Sangai Festival exhibited a horse race, flagged off by chief minister N. Biren Singh at Ibudhou Marjing Complex, Heingang, on Friday.

An Arambai (a traditional arrow like weapon) throwing demonstration was also part of the event. The chief minister and other dignitaries who were visibly elated with the Arambai demonstrations, handed financial rewards to the horse riders.

Biren also released a leaflet of the sacred place of Ibudhou Marjing.

Efforts to develop Ibudhou Marjing Complex at Heingang into a world class tourist spot will continue even after the Manipur Sangai Festival the chief minister said.

“​We have constructed permanent structures and traditional huts at Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou and these huts will be further developed by including kitchens or bathrooms to utilize them as home-stays for tourists,” Biren said.

He highlighted various measures taken up for the preservation of the indigenous pony and said around 14-15 acres have already been developed as grazing ground on the other side of the hill on the Pangei side and at the same time another 30 acres have been allocated at Lamphelpat for preservation works of the pony.

​The chief minister also lauded and appreciated the officials, security personnel involved in the smooth organising of the festival and said new initiatives regarding security have also been introduced including the Mounted Police (Sagol Police), Tourist Police, who are there to guide the tourists. “At the same time considering the safety of the women, we have placed around 100 women commandos at various venues,” he added.

Delegates from Japan and Myanmar who were here to witness the Manipur Sangai Festival were feted during the event.