‘Singju’ can be made globally popular: Surchandra

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 8

“If food value of Manipuri Singju is brought out with scientifically readings the local cuisine could be made popular over the glove” said MLA Y. Surchandra on the closing day of 3rd Singju Festival 2018 held today at Lamdeng Makha Leikai ground, Imphal West.

Surchandra as chief guest of the day said if people neglect the indigenous food items which are rich in protective food value; foods like Singju might extinct from the state in near future. Taking the example of King Chilli also known as Bhut Jolokia or Ghost Pepper he said the chilli was once found abundantly in the state, but with the negligence of people the production rate of this chilli is getting lower and the neighbouring state Nagaland started producing comparatively more.

He appreciated the organiser of the festival that aims to promote the indigenous cuisine. For the development of this cuisine the knowledge of marketing is essential to compete with other mix vegetable food items found outside the state. Packaging of food is also a main factor to promote food as well as hygiene, he added.

He assured to give hands for producing the indigenous food items in commercial level for the betterment of state economy and it could reduce the problem of unemployment.

Chairman of Singju festival committee, S. Manaoton Singh as president of the function said the festival is not only to promote the indigenous food items but also the committee also aims to promote the indigenous sports like “likon”, Manipuri martial arts and others.

Organising the festival is not for making profit but to promote the indigenous culture, Manaoton asserted.

The festival was organised by singju yokhatpa lup (SYOL) in collaboration with Pioneer Club, Ima Laikhurembi Seva Committee and Women Development Association and Lemdeng Makha Leikai.

The stall of Manipuri Martial arts and demonstration enthralled the people in the festival. General secretary of Meetei Eenatki Huiyen Lalong Sindam Shanglen (MEEHULS), Okram Wangamba said to promote the Manipuri martial arts the institute is also taking part in the festival. During the festival the institute demonstrated the form of Manipuri martial arts.

The stall demonstrated indigenous shields, sword, dart, musical instruments including sports items and seven cultural swords that indicates the clans of Manipur, he added.

Students of the institute demonstrated “Cheibi” fight at the festival ground.