SENAPATI: Agnes MR (Maram tribe) was crowned Miss Barak, 2025 at the recently concluded 4th State Level Barak Festival, 2025 Zeilipou in Senapati district, Manipur.
Anges from Rajaimei village under Willong subdivision is the daughter of MR Luikang and Rose. She is also the crowning Miss Maram, 2025 which she won the title in January this year. The First Runner-Up title was awarded to Masianguangliu Abonmei (Liangmei) while Shudziini Christina (Mao) bagged the Second Runner-Up title during the contest.
In other subtitles categories, Agnes MR was awarded with the best designer; Heisnam Joshila Devi bagged the best catwalk title; Babina Thokchom bagged the guardian of the Barak title; while P Reivienei bagged the Miss talented title.
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The beauty pageant contest was on Sunday night with an aim to provide a platform for women to voice their cause and build confidence. Altogether, 15 beautiful contestants from all over the districts of Manipur contested. The session witnessed the contestants showcasing poise and confidence in attire, displaying their unique skills where the jury members tested their wits, views on issues and personalities and assessed their communication and charisma.
The Miss Barak Queen walked away with a cash prize of Rs 1.5 Lakh, the First Runner-up with Rs 1 Lakh and the Second Runner-Up with Rs. 75,000, respectively, while each subtitles winner walked away with Rs 20,000 each.
Another major highlight of the 4th State Level Barak Festival, 2025, was the various indigenous games and traditional competitions that were organised and showcased on December 14. These included pig catching, top spinning, stone lifting, pork fat consumption competition, arrow shooting competition and rooster catching for both men and women. Alongside these games, cultural exhibitions and traditional dances signifying various tribes of Senapati were also presented.
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The primary purpose of organising such indigenous games is to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage and traditional lifestyle of the indigenous communities. These games are deeply rooted in the daily lives, survival skills, and social practices of the ancestors. By reviving them in public festivals, the younger generation is given an opportunity to learn, experience, and appreciate their traditional customs, which might otherwise fade away with modernization.
These games also highlight physical strength, endurance, teamwork, and skill, reflecting the values of discipline and resilience that were essential in earlier times. Activities like stone lifting and pig catching symbolize strength and courage, while competitions such as top spinning and rooster catching showcase agility, coordination, and focus.
Moreover, such traditional games play a significant role in strengthening community bonding and unity. They bring people together irrespective of age or gender, encouraging participation, cooperation, and healthy competition. The inclusion of women in various events reflects gender inclusivity and equal participation in cultural practices.
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The organisation of indigenous games during the cultural session was not merely for entertainment but served as an important platform for cultural preservation, education, and social harmony. Such initiatives ensure that traditional knowledge, values, and identity are passed on to future generations, keeping the cultural spirit alive.
Further, the cultural exhibitions, including the cultural performances by Thangal and Zeliangrong cultural troupes, further enriched the session by showcasing the diversity and unity of different communities living together harmoniously.