IMPHAL, February 25: A three-day long state level Youth Festival was inaugurated today at the Lamyanba Shanglen.
The festival is being organised by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Imphal Zone and was participated by youths from all districts of the state.
Around 20 stalls of handicraft and handloom products were also opened during the festival.
Speaking to this IFP reporter, a volunteer of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan said that free fooding and lodging of all participants will be provided by the NYKS at the building of the Arts and Culture department, Palace Compound.
A participant from Mayang Imphal who identified himself as Israr Hussain said that he has opened a stall for handmade items from a variety of local reed “Chumthang”.
He continued that he is able to generate enough income for himself and his family from his work as an artisan with an organisation.
Further elaborating on his work, he said products made from the ‘Chumthang’ reed variety are better as such items cannot be damaged by moths.
The local reed is found everywhere and is widely found growing on Loktak Lake. He said the best time to harvest the reed is from April to June.
He continued that it gets dry within ten days.
He further expressed that he receives several demands from people.
Vice chairperson, Board of Governors, NYKS, L Tilotama said people of the state are known all over the country for their skills.
Manipur has a rich heritage of culture, she asserted.
However, failure to safeguard these cultures has led to endangering them, she continued.
She continued that people need to put in efforts to preserve the cultures which identify the people of the state.
Zonal director, NYKS Sahib Singh said that such festivals need to be frequently organised for the development of the state.