Imphal, Oct. 25 -- The 37th Loktak Day celebrations began across Manipur on Sunday, marking the festival's first edition as an officially recognised annual state festival following a decision by the state Cabinet.

The celebrations, traditionally held over two days, have been expanded to include venues at Thanga and Komlakhong, with a focus on raising awareness about the conservation of Loktak Lake, Northeast India's largest freshwater lake.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh formally launched the festivities by flagging off a promotional bike rally aimed at encouraging public participation in wetland conservation.

The Manipur Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, had approved the designation of Loktak Day as an annual state festiv...