Tourists gets glimpse of indigenous culture in Manipur

In a bid to woo tourists, a three-day long festival was recently held at Andro village located 20 miles from Manipur's Imphal city in the foothills of Nongmaiching hill.

Scenic beauty, pleasant climate and warm hospitality attract tourists to Andro village.

Known for its traditional pottery skills, the small village is now bustling with tourists.

Recently, a three-day long festival of food, music, art and culture was organized at the Panam Ningthou garden in Andro.

The event was organized with an aim to promote tourism in the state.

"It's been two years that we have launched this new garden. We want other people to know about this beautiful garden. This festival will help to promote the garden," said Muthem Sudesh, General Secretary, Panam Ningthou Garden, Andro.

The major attraction of the festival was the indigenous food prepared by the locals. Fish, pork and rice beer was served to the tourists and other local visitors.

"Such festival should be encouraged like it is a place of relaxation so; we have good food here, rich culture, music and talent of upcoming singer so it's an awesome festival," said Marina, a visitor.

"Music is very beautiful. I like it and my brother also like it. Food is really tasty," added another visitor Amy.

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The audience was later treated to a wide range of musical performances by popular bands like Imphal Talkies, the Koi, the Dirty Strikes and Pebet.

Imphal Talkies, a folk and alternative rock band, had the crowd grooving to their songs. The band sang a number of their original numbers as well as some popular English.

Madboy Mink from Mumbai, Akummika from Nagaland and Leaftone from Delhi also performed at the event.

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"It is very secluded, very peaceful out here. It's very different from our daily life in New Delhi. I really like the place; people are really nice and simple," said Bhavia, Vocalist, Leaftone from Delhi.

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Organizing such festival not only provides a platform to upcoming musicians but also promotes tourism in the state.

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Manipur has many such scenic locations that can be developed into tourist hotspots.