Senapati, September 28: The World Tourism Day-cum-1st Lizai Fest was celebrated with great enthusiasm on September 27 and 28, 2025, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” at the picturesque Sadim Lizai Lake, one of Senapati district’s most scenic and culturally significant sites. The event was organized in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, and brought together visitors, artists, cultural groups, and community leaders to highlight the tourism potential of the area while celebrating cultural diversity and heritage.
The two-day celebration featured a variety of programmes, beginning with the inaugural function on September 27, marked by a welcome address, cultural dances, and presentations by local groups to commemorate World Tourism Day. The venue was filled with vibrant displays of Maram traditional culture, alongside stalls showcasing indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, and eco-friendly products, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs and artisans.
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The highlight of the evenings was the Musical Night, where local talents and guest performers created an atmosphere of festivity and unity. On September 28, the celebrations continued with more cultural showcases, folk fusion, and interactive activities for visitors, further promoting community participation and tourism awareness.
The event also underscored the importance of Sadim Lizai Lake as a potential tourism destination in Manipur, blending natural beauty with rich cultural traditions. The support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, was instrumental in bringing visibility to this emerging destination and in aligning the festival with the larger vision of promoting sustainable tourism in the state.
The formal inaugural session was graced by Mamoni Doley, IAS, DC Senapati, as the chief guest, and Siile Anthony, Former Director, HRD, NEC, Government of India, as the guest of honour, in the presence of tourists from different parts of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Siile Anthony described Sadim Pukhri as a natural wonder—“a lake on top of the hill.” Urging the community to protect and preserve the surroundings, he appealed for cleanliness and zero littering around the lake. With the support of the district collector, he assured efforts to bring a tourism project to the village through the NEC. He further remarked that Sadim Pukhri is one of the most viable tourism spots in the district owing to its proximity to the district headquarters, its pristine environment, abundant water source, and conducive atmosphere for tourists. He encouraged the villagers to plan for long-term sustainability by conserving forests, flora, and fauna.
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Speaking as the chief guest, DC Mamoni Doley urged the locals to preserve the village’s heritage. Observing World Tourism Day in conjunction with the first Lizai Festival, she highlighted that Senapati district already hosts several festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, Cosmos Festival, and Barak Festival, which attract tourists. She stressed the importance of publicizing such events widely to promote tourism, adding that it cannot flourish if not highlighted.
Coming from the plains of Assam, the DC expressed her delight at witnessing the beauty of Senapati’s hills. Citing Nagaland as an example, where festivals draw significant tourist inflows, she said the district administration is taking various steps to develop tourist spots in Senapati. She appealed to youth groups to work collectively and sustainably, urging them to become responsible custodians of nature.