TAMENGLONG: The formal programme of the 18th State Level Orange Festival (SLOF) concluded at Mini Stadium, Tamenglong on Friday. The closing ceremony of the festival, celebrating the famed GI-tagged Tamenglong oranges, the district’s rich cultural heritage, and the collective efforts of farmers and local communities, was graced by Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary of Manipur, as the chief guest.
The programme was also attended by Madhuri Goel, wife of the Chief Secretary, and a host of state and district officials including Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture/TAH); Shailesh Kumar Chourasia, Commissioner (Power/Coop); Worshang Hungyo, Secretary (Tourism/PHE); K Diana, Director (Transport); and Ng Jogendra, Joint Secretary (PHE). Tamenglong district level officers and representatives of tribal councils — Inpui, Rongmei, Zeme and the Liangmai Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) — were also present.
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Chairman of the 18th SLOF and Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong, L Angshim Dangshawa, delivered the welcome and keynote address. Christmas carols by the United Baptist Church (Liangmai) and the Independent Church of India (Hmar), traditional items by the Inpui tribe and a Kuki cultural troupe from Churachandpur. A melodious musical piece was performed by Jeanpui Kamei.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel congratulated the organisers for bringing together different communities from across Manipur, calling the festival “a beacon of peace, harmony and unity” and “a hope for a better future.” He recalled Tamenglong’s association with freedom fighters such as Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu, and underlined the district’s importance to the state’s citrus sector.
“Tamenglong accounts for more than 50 per cent of Manipur’s orange production and is rightly known as the ‘Orange Bowl of Manipur,’” he said.
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The chief guest highlighted the festival’s growth since its inception in 2001 and said this year’s theme, “Celebration for a Cause,” pays tribute to orange growers. He urged farmers to adopt modern technologies to boost production.
Noting that Tamenglong Orange received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017, he said over 350 orange growers have since been certified as organic. The government is promoting organic orange orchards in hill areas, and 38 villages in Tamenglong have been included in schemes aimed at supporting farmers. “Manipur has strong horticulture development potential that can benefit both farmers and entrepreneurs,” he added.
Additional Deputy Magistrate Chunglenmang Kipgen, thanked the participants and announced that the Orange Queen contest and “Tamenglong’s Got Talent” will begin later in the evening.
Results of the orange competition were declared at the event and prizes were handed over by the chief guest to the winners.
Hungamang Gangmei of Thingou village won the First prize and walked away with Rs 2,00,000; the Second prize was won by Houtoulung Pamei of Dailong village who received Rs 1,00,000 while the Third prize was won by Ph Benjamin of Khongsang village who received Rs 75,000.
Ejenglung Pamai of Namtiram village Village won the First prize in the newly introduced Best Orange Orchard awards for this edition, while the Second prize was awarded to Keinepou Panmei of Azuram village, the Third prizes were shared by Dinjinliu Kamei of Sibilong and Lungthuilung Gondaimei of Makhuam I. The winners were awarded with Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively.
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The three-day festival featured orange competitions, vibrant cultural performances, exhibitions, indigenous games, and community interactions, showcasing the traditions, talent, and resilience of the people.
Although tensions have persisted between Meitei and Kuki communities in recent years, the Tamenglong Orange Festival succeeded in bringing together Meiteis, Kukis, Hmar and various Naga communities to celebrate collectively, reinforcing the event’s role in promoting communal harmony in the state.