Nata Sankirtana losing sheen: Thanil
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 19 2021:
Nata Sankirtana, a vibrant art form, which plays an important role in shaping and showing the identity of Manipur to the world, is losing its sheen and it needs attention from practitioners, experts and government alike to keep the art form alive, said Padmashree Sougaijam Thanil.
He was speaking during the 28th Guru Kirtana Seva event of Guru Gulappi Nata Sankirtana Academy, Kwakeithel Nganappithong, Imphal held on Tuesday.
Attending as guest of honour of the event, Thanil said that Nata Sankirtana took birth in the state during the reign of King Rajarshee Bhagyachandta.
It has been a defining factor for the rich art and culture heritage of Manipur for the last 250 years.
By making into the list of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage, it has been contributing in shaping and showing the identity of Manipur to the world, he said.
Though it came into existence during the reign of Bhagyachandra, it was further refined during the reign of King Chandrakirti.
Unfortunately, due lack of documentation activities and other factors, the art form is losing its sheen.
Most of the younger performers today do not have in-depth understanding of the art form.
In this situation, it is very important that the government and those involved in the field take up documentation work so that the all the related information could be stored for the future generation and the art form remains forever, he said.
Former director AIR Imphal Dilip Mayengbam and JNMDA director in-charge Pukhrambam Bilash attended the programme as chief guest and president respectively while Kshetrimayum Thouranisabi was also present as one of the guests of honour.
Floral tributes were paid to the portraits of Rajarshee Bhagyachandra and departed instructors of Nata Sankirtana on the occasion.