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Manipur deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh plants Cheery sapling. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Mao Gate | November 24
Manipur Cherry Blossom cum flower festival as part of Sangai festival 2019 under the theme “Exploring nature’s wonder” got underway here today at Mao Gate.
Gracing the inaugural function, Manipur deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh said that one must stay close to the nature. He said that flower is the beautiful gift of nature, adding that it reflects peace of mind and harmony. He described floriculture as rewarding business as the same is widely use in various occasions. Stating that there are many festivals in Manipur like Ginger, pineapple, orange, flower festival, he said the idea behind such festivals is to enhance and popularize the produces.
Lok Sabha MP Dr. Lorho Pfoze said that Mao land is also called the land of fruits and flowers.
He stressed on the need to reason one another and build peaceful environment with the neighboring communities.
Losü Dikho, minister for PHED, printing and stationery Manipur said that Chief Minister N Biren Singh has extended Sangai festival to the different corners of the state to bring the people closer and progress together in holistic manner. Thus, he said the government is promoting cheery blossom cum flower festival at Mao gate.
Tribal affairs & hills and fisheries minister N. Kayisü informed that Cherry Blossom cum Flower festival become part of Sangai festival as declared by Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh in 2017. He called upon the people to come forward and march ahead.
Earlier, Mao Council president also made a fervent appeal to the government to focus on infrastructural development at the festival site and take the festival to higher level.
Mao, a land synonymous with rich horticultural produces, has been and continues to be hub for quality organic produces in the region.
The flower festival was conceptualized to showcase the fruits of labour and of the beauty of the land to a larger audience and to gain a foothold in state, national and international market.
The fact that this endeavour is a result of the concerted effort made by the farmers themselves makes the festival even more engaging and successful.
Such an ownership brings with it a sense of pride at the achievement a made and of the ability to appreciate the beauty and the bounties of the land and also drives home the dire need to preserve the beauty of the land.
Utilizing the limited resources sustainably is the true test of development and activities such a this should take the Mao society towards that desired goal of sustainable development.
This festival therefore serves the purpose of not only showcasing the blessings of nature but also of sensitizing the public of the need to strive for holistic development, one that takes into account the need to preserve the nature.
Later, the deputy chief minister and other dignitaries planted cheery saplings to mark the occasion.
Flower parade also marked the inaugural function.
Meanwhile, Senapati deputy commissioner Somarjit Salam will be the special invite on Day 2 (November 25).
Day two, starting at 10:00 AM, will be marked by traditional games, exhibition and various competitions.
The festival will go on till November 26.
