Sangai Festival 2025 in Manipur Opens Amid Protests: A Cultural Celebration Overshadowed by Ethnic Tensions and Displacement Demands

Published on November 22, 2025

Manipur, located in the northeastern part of India, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant festivals. The Sangai Festival, an annual celebration of the state’s heritage, art, and tourism, began on November 21, 2025, but the event was marred by protests from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and social organizations like COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity). These protests reflect the deep tensions within the state, largely stemming from an ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. Despite these challenges, the festival, which was held after a two-year hiatus, continues to play a pivotal role in Manipur’s efforts to promote eco-tourism and preserve its cultural identity.

As the Sangai Festival opened in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, protesters gathered to demand the resettlement of displaced individuals and address the ethnic conflict. Tensions escalated into clashes between the protesters and the police, affecting the attendance at the festival’s opening day. While these protests overshadowed the event, they also underscored the humanitarian issues that continue to affect the region, making the situation more complex for both the local government and visitors.

In this article, we’ll delve into the Sangai Festival’s significance, the ongoing protests in Manipur, and how the state’s tourism sector is grappling with the balance between cultural celebration and conflict resolution.

Sangai Festival 2025: A Cultural Celebration in the Heart of Manipur

The Sangai Festival has been a highlight of Manipur’s tourism calendar since its inception. It serves as an annual platform for promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional dance, craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of the region. The festival is named after the Sangai deer, a rare species found only in Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao National Park, which symbolizes the state’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Key Features of the Sangai Festival:

• Cultural Exhibitions: The festival celebrates traditional Manipuri dance, music, and art, featuring performances by local artists and cultural groups.
• Tourism and Eco-Tourism Promotion: The festival aims to boost tourism by showcasing the scenic beauty of Manipur, including its lush landscapes, lakes, and valleys.
• Handicrafts and Local Products: Local artisans display handicrafts, traditional textiles, and artifacts, providing a glimpse into the indigenous craftsmanship that defines the region.
• Food and Cuisine: Visitors are treated to a taste of Manipur’s local cuisine, offering unique dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Despite the ongoing protests, the festival remains a vital event for tourism in the state, drawing visitors from across India and abroad to experience the state’s charm.

The Protests and Their Impact on the Sangai Festival

The Sangai Festival 2025 was overshadowed by protests from various groups, particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the COCOMI. These groups are calling for the resettlement of people displaced due to the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. The protests highlight the human rights issues and social unrest that have emerged from the ongoing conflict between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the non-tribal Meitei communities.

Key Aspects of the Protests:

• Protest Locations: The protests took place in Imphal East, near the venue of the Sangai Festival, with many protesters clashing with police forces in an attempt to storm the festival area.
• Violent Clashes: Protesters threw water bottles and placards at the police, and tensions reached a peak when a woman protester allegedly assaulted a senior police officer, IGP (Zone–I) Themthing Ngashangva.
• Protesters’ Demands: The protesters are demanding reparations, rehabilitation, and resettlement for the IDPs, urging the government to resolve the ethnic conflict before focusing on tourism events like the Sangai Festival.

These protests highlight the delicate situation in Manipur, where tourism initiatives are intertwined with sensitive ethnic and political issues. While the festival aims to boost the state’s economy through tourism, it is evident that ethnic tensions and the displacement crisis are major concerns that need to be addressed for long-term peace and stability.

The Ethnic Conflict: A Complex Landscape for Manipur’s Tourism

Manipur has faced an escalating ethnic conflict between the tribal Kuki-Zo and the non-tribal Meitei communities since May 2023. This conflict has led to violence, displacement, and social unrest, deeply affecting the state’s political landscape and tourism potential.

• The Role of Tourism Amidst Tensions: Tourism is a critical sector for Manipur’s economy, but the ethnic divide has complicated efforts to present the state as a peaceful tourist destination.
• President’s Rule: After the resignation of the former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh in February 2025, the state was placed under President’s Rule, which has further heightened tensions and led to a dissolution of the state assembly.

These issues have cast a shadow over initiatives like the Sangai Festival, which aims to promote Manipur’s unique culture and tourism, but cannot ignore the ongoing ethnic unrest that impacts public perception.

The Role of the Government in Balancing Tourism and Conflict Resolution

While the Sangai Festival aims to attract tourists and showcase the state’s rich culture, the Manipur government faces significant challenges in balancing tourism development with the needs of displaced communities and the ongoing ethnic conflict.

Government’s Response to Protests:

• Cease Work by COCOMI: The COCOMI organized a “cease work” to protest against the festival and the state’s handling of the IDP issue, claiming that the government should prioritize resolving the conflict before promoting tourism.
• Security Measures: The police used tear gas shells to disperse protesters, but tensions remain high, indicating a fractured relationship between the government and the people affected by the conflict.

The government’s challenge lies in managing these tensions while attempting to revive Manipur’s tourism industry and attract investments for future cultural events.

The Future of Manipur’s Tourism: Moving Forward Despite Challenges

Despite the ongoing ethnic issues and displacement crisis, the Sangai Festival remains a testament to Manipur’s resilience and the state’s potential as a unique tourism destination. As the festival continues through its opening weekend, there is hope that the state’s tourism sector can recover and evolve in a way that benefits both local communities and visitors.

Tourism’s Role in Reconciliation:

• Cultural Integration: The festival has the potential to bring together the diverse communities of Manipur and create opportunities for dialogue and cultural exchange.
• Sustainable Tourism: Moving forward, Manipur can develop a more inclusive and sustainable tourism model that takes into account the concerns of local communities while promoting the state’s rich culture and natural beauty.

As peace efforts continue, it’s crucial for the state to find ways to harmonize tourism with social welfare to ensure the benefits of tourism reach everyone in the state.

Conclusion: The Importance of Resolving Conflict for Tourism’s Future

Manipur’s Sangai Festival 2025 began amid protests that reflect the ongoing challenges facing the state. While the festival is an important cultural event, it serves as a reminder that tourism in regions like Manipur cannot thrive without addressing humanitarian issues. Displaced communities, ethnic tensions, and reconciliation efforts must be prioritized to create an environment where both tourism and peace can coexist. Manipur’s future as a leading eco-tourism destination hinges on resolving these conflicts and fostering a sense of unity across its communities.