Shumang Leela festival kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 26 2011:
The 39th All Manipur Shumang Leela festival, 2011 organised by the Manipur State Kala Akademi has kicked off today at Th Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal.
Governor of Manipur, Gurbachan Jagat who is also the Chairman of Manipur State Kala Akademi graced the inaugural function as chief guest.
Dr IS Kangjam, president, Critic Forum Manipur presided over the function.
In a speech, Gurbachan Jagat stated that Shuman Leela has become a powerful medium for mass education besides providing entertainment and relaxation.
It is a unique feature that the Shumang Leela Groups are composed of exclusively male artistes where even feminine roles are plyed by male artistes.
He also expressed his pleasure that groups comprising of entirely female artistes have also come up and become prominent in many festivals.
It may be mentioned that 14 female groups are participating in the festival this season besides nine male groups.