The organising committee of the 8th State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival 2026 has announced that all preparations have been successfully completed, and the festival is now fully set to commence with grandeur and cultural vibrancy tomorrow, April 7 at Hotel Imphal. The Hun Festival is a significant cultural celebration that marks the sprouting of seeds sown, symbolizing renewal, hope, and thanksgiving.
This year’s theme, “Upholding Our Identity, Shaping Our Destiny,” reflects the collective aspiration to preserve cultural heritage while shaping a stronger and unified future.
Significantly, this year’s festival marks a return home to Manipur, after the previous celebrations were held outside the state in Delhi (2024) and Guwahati (2025) due to the prevailing situation of violence in Manipur. The decision to host the festival in Manipur once again represents resilience, restoration, and the enduring spirit of the people.
The organising committee also underscored the importance of cultural clarity and identity, noting the misidentification of the Thadou community as Kuki during recent times. The festival serves as a platform to reaffirm and uphold the distinct identity, heritage, and history of the Thadou people.
The event will be graced by several distinguished dignitaries and prominent personalities. The Chief Guest for the Inaugural Session, Leishemba Sanajaoba, Titular King of Manipur and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), will lead the opening ceremony. The Guest of Honour, Dinganglung Gangmei, Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly, along with Functional President, Dr. C. Lalremruata, President of Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP-GHQ), Aizawl, will also address the gathering.
Key highlights of the inaugural session include the inauguration of the Hun Festival and release of Hun balloons, the Hun Maicham (invocation of God’s blessings) by seven pastors representing different communities, and the unveiling of “Sinkhup 4.0” souvenir booklet. A special tribute will also be paid to the victims of the Manipur violence.
The festival will feature a vibrant lineup of cultural and musical programs, including traditional performances such as Thang-ta, Rongmei, Liangmai, and Meitei dances, alongside performances by noted artists like Kakai and Thangmeiso, as well as the Thadou Cultural Troupe.
The closing session will be graced by Thokchom Satyabrata, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, as Chief Guest, along with Guest of Honour, Kh. Loken, Cabinet Minister (Tourism, Art & Culture), and Ashang Kasar, Social Activist. The session will include important addresses, recognition of community leaders, and a book release titled “Manipur in Peril.”
A special highlight of the musical segments will be the performance by Mary Dawngi from Mizoram, a celebrated and beloved singer known for her soulful voice and deep connection to the cultural roots of the region.
A major highlight of the evening will be the “Threads of Unity” Textile Showcase, presented by renowned designer Robert Naorem, featuring celebrated personalities Ritika Khatnani (Miss Supranational India 2021) and Strella Luwang (Femina Miss India 2023 Runner-up).
The festival will conclude with a grand musical night featuring multiple artists including Bobin, Kenedy, Arbin, Uttam, Puhshparani, Divya Haobam, Nandeshwori, and James Riamei GMP.
Importantly, Thadou people from across the state and the country have begun arriving in large numbers to take part in the celebration. Their participation stands as a powerful symbol of unity and resilience. The festival also reflects the growing success of the Thadou–Meitei Covenant of Community Understanding between Thadou Inpi Manipur and various Manipur Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), fostering mutual respect, cooperation, and peace amidst the ongoing challenges in the state.
With all arrangements in place and the festival returning to its home ground, the organising committee invited the public to witnes
8th State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival set to commence tomorrow
