TAMENGLONG, Dec 19: The 18th State-Level Orange Festival (SLOF) concluded on Friday at the Mini Stadium in Tamenglong, emerging as a strong symbol of peace, unity and cultural harmony amid the prevailing tensions in Manipur. The closing ceremony was graced by Manipur Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, as the chief guest, in the presence of his wife Madhuri Goel, senior state and district officials, and representatives of the Inpui, Rongmei, Zeme and Liangmai Naga Council Manipur (RNCM), along with other community leaders.
Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong and Chairman of the 18th SLOF, Dr L. Angshim Dangshawa, IAS, delivered the welcome and keynote address. The programme featured Christmas carols by the United Baptist Church (Liangmai) and the Independent Church of India (Hmar), traditional performances by the Inpui tribe, a cultural presentation by a Kuki troupe from Churachandpur, and a musical performance by Jeanpui Kamei, highlighting the festival’s inclusive spirit.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Goel congratulated the organisers for successfully bringing together people from diverse communities across the state. Describing the festival as “a beacon of peace, harmony and unity,” he said it reflected hope for a better future for Manipur. Recalling Tamenglong’s historic association with freedom fighters Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu, he underlined the district’s importance in the state’s citrus economy, noting that Tamenglong contributes over 50 per cent of Manipur’s orange production and is rightly known as the “Orange Bowl of Manipur.”
Dr Goel said the festival, which began in 2001, has grown steadily over the years and noted that this year’s theme, “Celebration for a Cause,” honoured the contribution of orange growers. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern technologies to enhance productivity and quality. Referring to the Geographical Indication (GI) tag granted to Tamenglong Orange in 2017, he said over 350 growers have since been certified as organic, with 38 villages covered under government schemes to promote organic orange orchards. He added that Manipur holds strong horticulture development potential that can benefit both farmers and entrepreneurs.
During the ceremony, the results of the orange competition were announced and prizes distributed. Hungamang Gangmei of Thingou village won the first prize of ₹2 lakh, followed by Houtoulung Pamei of Dailong village with ₹1 lakh, and Ph Benjamin of Khongsang village with ₹75,000.
The newly introduced Best Orange Orchard awards were presented to Ejenglung Pamai of Namtiram village (first prize, ₹30,000), Keinepou Panmei of Azuram (second prize, ₹20,000), and Dinjinliu Kamei of Sibilong and Lungthuilung Gondaimei of Makhuam I (third prizes, ₹10,000 each).
Additional Deputy Magistrate Chunglenmang Kipgen, MCS, delivered the vote of thanks and announced that the Orange Queen contest and “Tamenglong’s Got Talent” would commence later in the evening.
Organisers and participants emphasised the wider social significance of the festival. Despite recent inter-community tensions in the state, the Tamenglong Orange Festival successfully brought together Meiteis, Kukis, Hmar and various Naga communities in a shared celebration, reaffirming its role in fostering communal harmony and unity in Manipur.
