Tourism festival organised in Manipur

Imphal, Apr 22 (ANI): The ten-day long Manipur Tourism Festival 2009, organised by the state's tourism department, witnessed a significant participation of visitors from across the country and abroad.

The festival, which concluded on Tuesday, was aimed at highlighting the art and culture of northeast Manipur state.

Visitors from Thailand, Pakistan, Vietnam and Myanmar expressed great enthusiasm and contributed actively to the festival.

Jim Csuthathip Thavesuk, a stall owner from Thailand hoped that she would get a good response in this festival.

"Last time we took part in an exhibition in Guwahati and many people showed interest in our products because our products are available only at one place. I hope that in this exhibition many people will be interested in our products," said Thavesuk.

Local visitors like Linda claimed that this festival was better organised than the last festival.

"From the last time its better and well organised. There are stalls from other countries. This way, they are going to learn from us and we are going to learn from them," said Linda.

The stalls displayed goods and artifacts from other states of India.

The people were impressed by the Manipuri handloom and handicrafts items and paintings on display.

Tourism Department had drawn up attractive packages for the tourists like visits to historical places, expedition to fantastic destinations such as Shiroi Hills, Kangkuli Caves in Ukrul District, Tharon Caves of Tamenglong village, adventure at Lamdan and the Leadership Park in Churachandpur.

Among other sporting events were games of traditional hockey, polo, Mukna (traditional wrestling).

The Department of Tourism is hopeful of this festival yielding the desired results, which in turn would boost the economy of Manipur. By L.C.K. Singh (ANI)