Manipur Cherry Blossom Festival begins; govt proposes floriculture hub in Mao

Imphal: The Manipur Cherry Blossom and Flower Festival began on Friday at Motu Tubvii, Mao Gate, on the Manipur-Nagaland border, as part of the Sangai Festival under the theme “Where Blossoms Breathe Harmony.”

The Cherry Blossom Flower Festival is celebrated as part of the Sangai Festival, which is scheduled to conclude on November 30, to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state, which is home to more than 35 tribes and communities.

The programme was graced by T Pamei, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, as the Chief Guest, and Mamoni Doley, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati, as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest stated that the government is proposing a floriculture hub in the Mao area, leveraging the favorable agro-climatic conditions, through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

Various activities of the festival include viewing the Cherry Blossoms and nature walks, a trek to Elai Che Waterfall, a visit to a potato farm, a guided trek to Mt. Esii, flower, fruit, and vegetable stall exhibitions and sales, a local handicraft and art bazaar, showcasing the talents of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in crafts, painting, dance, and songs, indigenous cuisine and food stalls, and a photography contest.

During the curtain-raiser event, 103 participants took part in the Cherry Blossom Unity Run, covering a stretch of 10 kilometers from Tadubi to the Cherry Blossom Site on November 18, 2025, while 118 took part in the trek to Mt. Esii on November 19, 2025.

The event also included a photo contest under "Chasing the Blossom Breeze" and the Khedzii Khoru Competition on the theme "Cooking the Flavours of Our Past."

Notably, the Cherry Blossom and Flower Festival will continue until November 23, 2025, featuring a cultural mosaic in collaboration with ICCR North East, traditional games, a traditional chef cooking competition, prize distribution, and other extravagant programs.

Later, the Chief Guest, accompanied by Mamoni Doley, IAS, DC Senapati, and her District Administration team, along with the organizers, inspected the stalls which exhibited flowers, vegetables, organic foods, handicrafts, food items, and other products by the SHGs and local entrepreneurs.

Altogether 53 stalls were set up.