Nata Sankirtana Day celebrated widely in state
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 04 2022:
JN Manipur Dance Academy and Art and Culture Department, Manipur jointly celebrated 2nd Nata Sankirtana Day at the Academy's mandap, here, on Sunday.
The celebration function was attended by noted Nata Sankirtana Guru L Lakpati, commissioner (art & culture) M Joy, director (art & culture) L Kishorjit, Academy director P Bilash and other noted Nata Sankirtana Gurus.
In his address at the event, M Joy said that December 4 is being celebrated as Nata Sankirtana Day under the aegis of the government after the UNESCO declared Nata Sankirtana as an intangible cultural heritage in 2013 for its uniqueness.
However, the unique art form left by forefathers of the land could lose its cultural heritage one day if we fail to preserve and protect it, he said.
Flouting norms in performance of Nata Sankirtana in religious ceremonies need to be looked into seriously as this has caused inconvenience to both the host family and artistes, M Joy opined and strongly called for following the prescribed norms of the art form and identifying exact number of Nata Sankirtana artistes.
He then appealed to Nata Sankirtana Gurus to shoulder responsibility in this regard.
During the event, noted Nata Sankirtana artistes were felicitated and presented them simple gifts while artistes of JN Manipur Dance Academy presented Nata Sankirtana.
Academy of Indigenous Music (AIM) in association with Chaitanya Institute of Sankirtan and Guru Bir Nata Sankirtana also observed the 9th International Sankirtana Day at AIM's auditorium, Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai on Sunday.
Presided over by former JNMDA guru (Pung) Nameirakpam Thambalngou, the observance was attended by JNMDA Sankritana visiting guru Khoisnam Kirti as chief guest and Akoijam Basanta as guest of honour.
In his speech, Thambalngou said that the day is being observed to commemorate the inclusion of Manipuri Sankritana in the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity List.
He emphasised the need for observing the day on a much grander scale, while wishing for every household to lit lamps in remembrance of this day.
Further emphasising the need for the younger generation to be aware of Nata Sankritana, he said that the aspects of decorum, respect and meaningful lessons embedded would not only serve as guidance for the young artistes but also help in the preservation of this rich performing art form.