Ibudhou Marjing Complex in Imphal East is to be developed into a world-class tourist spot, the Manipur government will put in every effort to renovate the complex and add more infrastructures after the end of Sangai Festival 2022, Chief Minister N Biren said on Friday.
The CM N Biren was addressing the evening function conducted in connection with the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival at Ibudhou Marjing complex, Heingang in Imphal East.
CM Biren tweeted, “Happy to see that Manipur Sangai Festival is being organized at Ibudhou Marjing Khubam, Heingang this year. Among the 14 places where the festival is celebrated, this venue is selected so that we can promote Manipuri pony (sagol), and the game of Polo to the world.”
Biren said that to promote the Manipur Pony (Sagol), the government has developed around 14-15 acres of land as a grazing field on the other hillside of Pangei, Imphal East while another 30 acres of land has been developed at Lamphelpat, Imphal East.
He said the 120 feet tall polo statue constructed on Marjing hill will be completed soon as the government will put effort into its completion. He further said the shrine of Ibudhou Marjing will also be renovated with modern technologies.
Biren further said that with the support from the public, the ongoing Sangai Festival has been smooth at various places under the theme “Festival of Oneness”.
For Moirang Khunou, the government is planning to construct toilets for each ethnic hut constructed at the Sangai festival site so that tourists could use the huts as home stay, Biren said.
The government is also planning to construct permanent stalls at Moirang Khunou that interested persons could utilize under lease for their own benefit, he said.
Biren appreciated the government officials, security forces, and others for smoothly organizing the festival.
For the safety of females who are visiting the Manipur Sangai Festival, the government has deputed more than 100 female commando personnel which are distributed at various Sangai festival sites, the CM said.
As a part of the function, CM N Biren flagged off horse racing. An ethnic way of warfare used by the forefathers of Manipur, ‘throwing of Arambai’ was also demonstrated at the Marjing Complex ground.
Biren said, “For the first time, a show on the deadly indigenous weapon, Arambai, was included in the festival as part of our effort to preserve and promote this indigenous special weapon to the world.”