CM kicks off Bhagyachandra dance fest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 07 2014 :
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi today inaugurated the 10th Bhagyachandra National Festival of Classical Dance 2014 at Shri Govindaji temple complex, Kangla Fort.
In his speech, O Ibobi, who attended the function as chief guest, said that the State Government started planning a National Festival of Classical Dance in memory of Maharaja Bhagyachandra in 1989 .
A huge number of people used to visit Shri Govindaji temple and other temples for worshipping and enjoying Nat Sankirtana performances in the past.
He added that people witnessed Ras Lila occasionally in the temple on some specific dates and occasions.
He said the Manipuri classical dance are internationally known for its beauty, sanctity, gracefulness, devotion and transcendentalism, but people sometimes forget the founder, conceiver, creator and designer of this dance.
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The festival is truly a homage and acknowledgement to the founder of this great dance, Ibobi said and added that the State has been organising the festival since 1989 .
As a part of the festival and paying tribute and homage to Rajshree Bhagyachandra, Nata Sankirtana performances were shown at Govindabari, Jiyaganj and Shri Anumahaprabhu temple in Nabadwip, West Bengal on November 3 and 4 along with the offering of puja and Khunti or Jai Patra.
Ibobi said that Nata Sankirtana and Maha Ras were performed yesterday at Gopinath temple, Ningthoukhong as part of the festival although the main event commenced at Kangla from today.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the festival would provide an opportunity to the people to witness various major classical dances like Manipuri, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Sattriya and Kathak.
At today's inaugural function, Manipuri dance was performed by RK Sabritisana Devi, Odissi by Sujata Mohapatra and Manipuri dance by T Ronel Meetei.