Must preserve dying narrative art forms: Director
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 13 2022:
Art and Culture director L Kishorjit has stressed the need for concerted efforts in preserving the dying narrative art forms of the state.
He made the statement while speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function of a five-day 'Wari Leeba Festival-2022', which is being organised jointly by Repertory of Wari Leeba, Manipur and Shri Shri Radha Mandop Sat Sangha Lup, at the premises of Shri Shri Radha Mandop, Wahengbam Leikai here on Wednesday.
Presided over by Lup president Hanjabam Budhachandra Sharma, the inaugural function was also attended by North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur member Saratchandra Thiyam as guest of honour.
Kishorjit said that narrative art forms are one of the many dying art forms of Manipur as could be comprehended from the difficulty to find teachers/experts for the same.
Wari Leeba is one such art form which was regarded as a major cultural wealth of Manipur during the time of the kings but has now lost its sheen with the passage of time.
As such, there is a need for preserving this art form, without disturbing its original tradition but adding on a new flavour suited to the times so as to attract the audience especially young people, he asserted and appreciated Repertory of Wari Leeba for its continuous efforts in this regard.
On the first day of the festival which is based on 'Guru Kripa Sidha Rup Mahabharata Aadi Parva', Laimayum Suranjoy Sharma and Hidangmayum Tochou Sharma presented a Wari Leeba performance.
Meanwhile, Konthoujam Sanjit and Irom Lakshman will be performing on the second day; Kangjam Inao and Takhellambam Bhim on the third day; Shamurailatpam Kunjabihari Sharma and Arubam Ibotombi on the fourth day; and Takhellambam Shyamkanhai and Laikhuram Mani on the last day.