Manipur's flagship tourism festival - ten days of dance, sport, food, crafts and the state at its most open.
Typically ten days in late November; exact dates announced by the state each year.
Exact dates for the coming year haven't been announced or verified yet — this page will be updated when they are.
Main venues in and around Imphal (Hapta Kangjeibung and others announced yearly)
Named for the dancing deer of Keibul Lamjao, the Sangai Festival is the Manipur government's annual showcase: classical Ras Leela on one stage, Thang-Ta and mud wrestling on another, hill-district cultural troupes, a crafts bazaar that pulls artisans from every district, and food lanes that compress the whole state into one field. It is the single best week to see Manipur trying to explain itself - plan stays early, Imphal fills up.
Cultural performances morning to night, indigenous sports (polo, Thang-Ta, Yubi Lakpi), a serious crafts and handloom market, evening concerts. Expect crowds and full hotels.
Around this festival: what the month is like · getting there · where to stay