TAMENGLONG: The 18th State Level Orange Festival, 2025, kicked off at the Mini Stadium, Tamenglong district headquarters, Manipur under the theme “Celebration for a cause” on Wednesday amid pomp and gaiety. The festival, celebrated after 2 years, will continue till December 19.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla graced the inaugural event as the chief guest. Tamei MLA Awangbow Newmai and Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei attended the event as special invitees. Other dignitaries included Governor’s first lady Jyoti Bhalla; Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS; Angam Romanus, IPS; N. Vashum, IPS; Brigadier Ansuman; Hungyo Worshang, secretary (Tourism); Sarath Chandra Aroju, IAS; M. Doulat, MCS and various District Level Officers.
Speaking at the event, the chief guest said that the festival’s theme bore significance in promoting Tamenglong Orange. He said that Tamenglong produces 50% of the state’s orange production with over 350 organic orange growers. Tamenglong orange got GI Tag in 2027.
He assured that the government will take up cold storage and tissue culture. The governor also assured that the Imphal-Tamenglong-Kangchup road will be operational again soon.
The governor praised Tamenglong for its rich cultural diversity and natural beauty. He also acknowledged Zeliangrong freedom fighters Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu in his speech.
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The festival’s marquee attraction remains the Orange Competition, which saw over 300 growers and exhibitors competing for top honours. Altogether 308 dedicated orange stalls and 200 general stalls were constructed. A panel of scientist-judges will test entries for taste as well as infestation by pests and diseases. The winning orange will receive a prize of Rs 2,00,000, while the orange grower competitor will receive Rs 25,000 each.
The inaugural function also witnessed cultural and traditional activities, including cultural dances, tug-of-war, indigenous wrestling, traditional fire making show, and folk song presentation by Mangka Band, among others.
The chief guest also took a tour to Orange orchard where he was gifted an orange tree bearing around 2500 orange.
Other major highlights of the festival are the Orange Queen contest and Tamenglong’s Got Talent. A total of 22 contestants will be featured in the beauty pagent, while Tamenglong’s Got Talent will showcase around 30 participants. The winner of the Orange Queen contest will receive Rs 1,50,000 and the top performer of the Tamenglong’s Got Talent will be awarded Rs 50,000.
While the Orange Queen contest will be held on December 19, the semi final of the Tamenglong’s Got Talent is being held on Wednesday.
A range of cultural and adventure activities will accompany the festival, including a Tharon Cave expedition, water sports activities at Bamgaijang village, essay and photography competitions. Other interesting activities of the festival include concerts, camping, indigenous sports and indigenous local cuisines.
Several artistes including The Prophets, GMP and the Band, Leander Kamson, Makok Band, Sori Senjam, Resvalni, Kohensome, Project Anonymous, among others will be performing in the three-day festival.
The official programme on December 18 will include an orange growers’ awareness session, followed by a beekeeping awareness session on December 19.
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