The curtain raiser event aims to create awareness about the magnificence of Manipur, its celebrations of its rich cultural legacy and diversity of the state beyond borders, and its eco-tourism potential, the organiser said in a release.

The festival celebrating the magnificence of Manipur as the Jewel of India will feature 34 Traditional indigenous huts, Fashion Shows showcasing rich Manipur weaves, Sangai Run, Tourism Pavilion, Longman, Flower Shows, Indigenous Cultural Programmes, Night Tourism, Handloom and Handicrafts, Tug-of-War, Arambai Show, Mukna competition, Yubi Lakpi, Sagol Lamjei (Horse Race), Men's International Polo Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung, CM's Sagol Kangjei Tournament at Kangla, Film Screenings, MMA among many others, a release stated.

Manipur upholds the uniqueness of the origins of modern polo, none transplantable Shirui lily flower, only floating Loktak lake, black rice and black nungbi pottery. The curtain raiser event is therefore an attempt to share this uniqueness of Manipur beyond her borders, the release added.

Promoting the preservation and conservation of the State Animal, the brow-antlered deer or Eld's deer or Sangai deer, the festival celebrates the uniqueness of its only home -Manipur. The festival attempts to spread awareness about this rare endangered deer endemic to Manipur.

The festival also promises to showcase some of the best indigenous handlooms and handicraft products. One can witness the creativity of the tribes through their unique handloom and handicrafts exhibited in the global arena along with the three GI tagged Handlooms from Manipur - Wangkhei Phee, Sa phee-lan-phee and Moirang phee, the release added.