Visit Indian Travel Sites
Goa,
Kerala,
Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh,
Delhi,
Rajasthan,
Uttar Pradesh,
Himachal Pradesh,
Assam,
Sikkim,
Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh,
Jammu & Kashmir
Gujarat
Puducherry
|
December 13, 2009 | Imphal hosts festival to promote tourism, by showcasing rich Manipuri culture | Imphal: Manipur Tourism Festival 2009, the annual cultural festival organized under the aegis of the Tourism Department, started with fanfare on Friday at Hafta Kangjeibung in Imphal. The festival showcases
the convergence of the culture of Manipur with other north eastern states of the
country. Tourism festival aims at promoting and sustaining tourism in the north-east
by showcasing the richness of the Manipuri culture and heritage, by portraying
its art and culture and exhibiting crafts, indigenous sports along with tourist
spots of the state. In all, 300 stalls including representatives from outside
the state have been put up in the festival. The development of tourism is vital
in progress of the state, which has been affected by insurgency. The Union Government's
policy to develop the north-eastern region, the 'look east policy', is closely
related to the tourism scenario of Manipur. "The tourism department can play a
major role in making the 'look east policy' a success because the look east policy
is a combination of many activities like industry, commerce, agriculture and tourism.
It is indeed the most important area to make the look east policy successful,"
said PC Lawmkunga , Principal Secretary of Manipur. The most interesting aspect
of the festival this time is the participation from Thailand . "I am happy to
be in Imphal. It feels like home. We are no different. We have 17 companies. We
have jewelry, clothe stalls over here. I will like to invite all the Manipuri
people and guests to visit the stalls and see the handicrafts and other products.
We are in Imphal and we are happy. We enjoy food, we enjoy hospitality by Manipuri
people. We are the same,” said Tharadol Thongruang ,Counselor of the Royal Thai
Embassy. He also pointed out that there is close cultural affinity between the
people of East Asia and Manipur and expressed desire for organizing similar festival
in Thailand as well. On promotion of Manipur as an important destination of the
tourists, it was noted by the authorities that there is an immediate need for
improving the existing infrastructure and adding new one. The festival will conclude
on December 19. |
More Travel News Headlines
|
|
|
|
|