The curtains have risen for the 4th edition of the State-Level Barak Festival 2025, under the theme “Heritage in Harmony”, at Zeilipou in Senapati district, with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurating the festival as the Chief Guest.
With the dignified act of the indigenous “Lowe Lowe”—shown to distinguished leaders or elders and performed by the maidens of the Poumai tribe—the Governor and the First Lady were accorded a rousing welcome and reception at the event.
During the visit, the Manipur Governor, along with the First Lady, visited the five indigenous morungs representing the five tribes of Senapati—Mao, Maram, Poumai Naga, Thangal, and Zeliangrong.
Manipur Governor A.K. Bhalla, while speaking on the occasion, said that the festival is more than an annual celebration, as it reflects shared identity, unity, and a deep bond with the Barak River. He noted that throughout history, civilizations have developed along river valleys, such as the Nile, the Indus Valley, and the Ganga, and emphasized that rivers should be treated as sacred entities. He appealed to the people to develop the Barak River as a source of economic activities, calling it a lifeline.
MLA Losii Dikho, on behalf of the people of Senapati, extended a warm welcome to the visiting dignitaries and highlighted the importance of the Barak River to the people of Senapati and beyond. He appealed to the Governor for the development of Zeilipou—the venue for the Barak Festival—for future posterity. Calling for its preservation and protection, he also urged the installation of a sewage system at the Senapati headquarters to maintain cleanliness and keep the river clean for the benefit of all.
Senapati, known for its remarkable landscape and biodiversity, vibrant tribal culture, historic sites like Makhel, Yang Khullen, and Willong, and natural wonders such as Dzuko Valley and Mount Esil, holds vast tourism potential.
As Manipur’s gateway, Senapati’s strategic location along National Highway 2 makes it a natural entry point for visitors from Nagaland and beyond, positioning the district well for sustainable tourism, ecotourism, adventure tourism, and experiential travel. Festivals like the Barak Festival enable visitors to experience local customs, dances, crafts, and cuisines, strengthening cultural appreciation and local economic growth. As people gathered beside the Barak River amid the beautiful landscape, it served as a reminder that rivers are storytellers and bridges between cultures.
The programme was also attended by former Minister Francis Ngajokpa, former MLA K. Raina, Worshang Hungyo (IAS), Secretary of Tourism, Sailesh Kumar Chaurasiya (IAS), Commissioner of Power, Manipur, and Ningshem Vashum (IPS), DIG Range-IV, among others.
