Imphal, February 20, 2026: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body of the Thadou tribe in Manipur, has announced that the 8th State-Level Hun–Thadou Cultural Festival 2026 will be held in Imphal on April 7, 2026.
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| Young performers present a traditional Thadou dance during the Hun–Thadou Cultural Festival celebration. (File Photo) |
According to a media release issued on Friday, TIM, along with its affiliated bodies including TIM, TSA, TCI, TAS, THRA, TEA and others, convened a joint meeting on February 19 to deliberate on the planning and celebration of the festival. The Hun–Thadou Cultural Festival is officially recognised as a State (Restricted) Holiday in Manipur and is celebrated annually on April 7.
After detailed discussions, the house unanimously resolved to organise the 8th edition of the festival in Imphal, with the exact venue to be finalised by the organising committee.
A dedicated organising committee has been constituted with Pu Nekholal Thadou as Chairman, Pu Jamkholun Thadou as Vice Chairman, and Pu Michael Lamjathang Thadou as Secretary-cum-Treasurer. The committee has been empowered to co-opt additional members and complete the formation of the full committee.
The theme for the 2026 edition will continue to be “My Culture, My Identity,” with the sub-theme “Upholding Our Identity, Shaping Our Destiny.”
This year’s celebration marks the return of the festival to its home soil in Manipur after a two-year gap. The 2024 edition was observed in Delhi, while the 2025 edition was held in Guwahati due to prevailing circumstances.
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The Hun–Thadou Cultural Festival commemorates the sacred Hun season, a period of thanksgiving for the germination and sprouting of seeds, accompanied by heartfelt prayers for a bountiful harvest. The festival symbolises renewal, unity, gratitude and optimism for the future.
Thadou Inpi Manipur has appealed to all indigenous communities across the state to extend their support, participation and cooperation to ensure the grand success of the Imphal edition. Further details regarding the programme schedule and venue will be announced in due course.
