Imphal, Dec. 25: Calcuttans, and for that matter anyone in the gateway of Northeastern states who is interested in the rich heritage of Manipuri culture, mouth-watering food, exquisite handicraft products and much more will be treated in a big way when the Festival of Manipur opens on January 14 at Swabhumi in Calcutta.

The six-day-long cultural bonanza is being organised by the Manipur government with help from cultural agencies.

“This unique festival will showcase Manipur and is aimed at presenting the true picture of this Northeastern state to the outsiders, who have misconceptions about Manipuris. The theme is culture for peace and prosperity. And we expect a massive response to the cultural bonanza,” art and culture minister M. Nara Singh told The Telegraph.

Apart from the rich cultural heritage of Manipur, its food habits and dishes could be tasted during the festival as it also includes what the organisers termed as “food exhibition”. For instance, eromba, prepared with vegetables and fermented dry fish with lots of stomach-burning chilly could be enjoyed. Eromba is probably the favourite dish after fish in Manipur. Outsiders coming to Manipur who have a taste of it do not forget it easily. Besides, koukha bora and pakoura are expected to attract attention of those who do not give a damn about their figure.

Symposium, seminars, exhibition of handloom and handicraft and paintings, cultural programmes like thabal chonga, lai haraoba dance, shumang lila and screening of films and much more would be the other highlights of this festival, the minister said.

“Outsiders do not have a high opinion of Manipuris. This misconception needs to be done away with and it is through art and culture that Manipuris can introduce themselves before the world. And this festival is aimed at achieving this end. Moreover, there are lots of people, who could still appreciate Manipur’s rich art and cultural heritage. Hence, we decided to organise it in Calcutta, the gateway to the Northeast,” Nara Singh said.

The minister further said it will be organised in such a manner that those who care to visit the festival will feel they are really visiting Manipur. An organising committee has been constituted with chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh as the chairman. The art and culture minister is the working president. Two hundred artisans and artistes would be taking part in the festival, which will be opened by Nagaland and Manipur Governors. The cultural troupes will also perform at the Russian cultural centre, Calcutta. A Russian film festival will also form a part of the festival.

The cash-strapped Ibobi Singh government has requested the Northeastern Zonal Cultural Centre and Dimapur and Sahitya Akademy, Calcutta to extend financial assistance as organising the festival involves a huge expenditure. For instance, some of the halls to be used are charging Rs 50,000 per day, which is a “hefty amount” for the Manipur government.

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