Thang-ta, an indispensable component of Manipuri history, art & culture
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 11 2015:
If one does not know the entwining of history with Thang-ta and Lai Haraoba, he or she could not claim to know the culture and history of Manipur, said L Joychandra, former director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy.
This view was expressed during an inaugural function of Thang-ta Festival at the auditorium of Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-ta Cultural Association, Irilbung on Sunday.
The festival has been organized by Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy and Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-ta Cultural Association and will continue till January 13 .
In his address, Joychandra said that though Manipur is surrounded by hills from all directions, even from early phase of history, "our forefathers" were equipped with the knowledge and skill of Thang-ta as a martial art form.
"Today, the people of the world were well aware of our rich art and culture", said Joychandra and pointed out that Thang-ta as a martial art form has been demonstrated in numerous festival venues around the world.
He said that Thang-ta is the backbone of Manipur's art and culture and reiterated that if one does not know the entwining of history with Thang-ta and Lai Haraoba, he or she could not claim to know the culture and history of Manipur.
"There is need to leave the legacy of Thang-ta for the posterity of future generation" asserted Joychandra.
Chief guest of the function P Bharat, former Commissioner of Art and Culture Department who also spoke on the occasion said that the festival which began today was an important event as there has been less number of such festival reflecting the martial art skills and culture of Manipur.
According to P Bharat, if such kind of festival is held regularly, the present generation could learn more about Thang-ta.
There is a need to nurture this form and tradition of martial art, he said.
During the inaugural function, three renowned Thang-ta practitioners � Padmashri G.Gourakishore, Saikhom Nodiya Mangang and Moirangthem Mani Meitei were felicitated.
As part of the function, different Thang-ta organisations displayed their skills.