8th Tangmai Festival in Churachandpur Showcases District’s Unique Cucumber Cultivation

The 8th Tangmai (Cucumber) Festival was organised at the Young Paite Association (YPA) General Headquarters Hall, Hiangtam Lamka, Churachandpur district, on Saturday.

Varieties of cucumbers were sourced from villagers of Kaihlam and Lungthul (D) villages. The Young Paite Association took the initiative to transport the cucumbers from the two villages to Churachandpur town to make the festival a grand success.

Speaking on the occasion, YPA GHQ President Lianmuanthang Valte expressed appreciation to the cucumber cultivators and encouraged them to increase production in the future. He also assured them that the festival would continue to be organised in the coming years.

The YPA President further stated that cucumbers will be sourced from other villages in future editions of the festival.

In previous years, the Manipur Horticulture Department extended financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh for the festival. However, this year, the association did not request any financial help, he said. Instead, the association single-handedly organised the festival this year, said Lianmuanthang.

Stating that the Cucumber Festival is not only for the Paite tribe, Lianmuanthang added that the YPA aims to upgrade the event to a state-level festival in the coming years. The necessary processes have already begun, but progress has been delayed due to the prevailing situation in the state.

The YPA President also noted that the taste and texture of cucumbers cultivated in Churachandpur district are different from those grown elsewhere. The cucumbers from Churachandpur are soft, unlike those from other regions, which are typically crunchy.