Manipur Governor Plans Bigger Sangai Festival — Pushing Polo as the State’s Unique Identity
Manipur’s government plans to enlarge the annual Sangai Festival and give a bigger platform to polo (Sagol Kāngjei) as a distinctive cultural and tourism asset. The move aims to attract more visitors, revive local arts and crafts, and brand Manipur internationally by highlighting its unique traditions — including the Manipuri pony and the island-home of the Sangai deer. The announcement was reported by India Today NE on 19 September 2025.
On 19 September 2025, India Today NE reported that Manipur’s authorities plan to expand the Sangai Festival and deliberately promote polo as a defining element of the state’s identity. The idea is twofold: enlarge the festival’s scope and use the world’s growing curiosity about cultural tourism to present Manipur as both a conservation hotspot (home to the Sangai deer and Manipuri pony) and a living museum of indigenous sport and performing arts. Expect more events, extended programming, and a concerted PR push to invite tourists and investors
FAQs
Q1: When is the Sangai Festival usually held and why is it named that?
A1: The Sangai Festival traditionally runs in late November (typically around 21–30 November), and it’s named after the Sangai, the endangered brow-antlered deer that lives in the floating marshes of Keibul Lamjao National Park on Loktak Lake. The festival showcases local culture, crafts and wildlife tourism.
Q2: Is Manipuri polo really the origin of modern polo?
A2: Manipur’s Sagol Kāngjei is widely acknowledged as an ancient, distinct form of polo and is cited in historical texts and local chronicles as a precursor to modern polo. The state has long promoted this heritage through venues like Mapal Kangjeibung and the Marjing Polo Complex, and historians consider Manipur an important early source in polo’s global history.
Q3: Will festival expansion harm the environment or the Sangai deer?
A3: Expansion carries environmental risks if not managed carefully. Responsible planning — visitor caps for fragile sites, regulated boat tours on Loktak Lake, and strict waste management — is essential to protect the Sangai and its habitat. A conservation-first approach should be non-negotiable in the festival’s design.
Q4: How will the festival help local artisans and pony breeders directly?
A4: The festival can include guaranteed market stalls for artisan cooperatives, microgrants for product development, training in digital sales, and pony-sponsorship programmes that direct funds to breeders and veterinary care. Transparent procurement policies and capacity building ensure benefits reach communities rather than outside middlemen.
Q5: What should a responsible tourist keep in mind when visiting Sangai Festival?
A5: Respect local customs, book stays through registered homestays or verified hotels, follow signage and guide instructions around Keibul Lamjao, avoid feeding wildlife or ponies, purchase crafts directly from artisan stalls, and consider donating to vetted conservation or community funds rather than buying from street intermediaries. Responsible travel sustains the culture you came to admire.
