Imphal, January 28: For the first time in the history of the State, Shumang Leela which have been with the Meiteis for about 100 years, will now be staged in major tribal dialects of the State including Tarigkhul, Paite, Thadou and Kabui.

Shumang Leela which has evolved with time was developed in the last 100 years or so and now refinement is the catch'1 word of today's leela which apart from entertaining highlights every ills afflicting society.

Earlier Shumang Leelas were staged only in Meitei language which is the lingua franca of the State.

The brain child of staging Shumang Leelas in tribal dialects was initiated by Manipur State AIDS Control Society under the supervision of its Project Director Dr Khomdon Singh Lisam, said a source from MACS.

The source said that the Shumang Leelas will be staged as part of the effort to spread HIV/AIDS awareness in tribal dialects so that it can reach out to the maximum audience.

The leelas will be staged across the length and breadth of the State where there is large concentration of population as per their dialect.

This mode of campaign will help in breaking the language barrier and spread the HIV/AIDS awareness, the source added.

The source further said that the leela in tribal dialect is both entertaining and informative as it will provide wholesome entertainment to the people in the remote areas.

Disclosing the reason for choosing the medium of shumang leela for spreading the awareness on HIV/AIDS, the source said that the medium has general appeal to the people and covers cross section of the society.

MACS has so far produced three Shumang leelas in Tangkhul, Paite and Thadou dialect.

As part of the awareness campaign, the society staged the premier show today on Thadou dialect entitled 'Heo Neingaidamin' and performed by United Rural Youths' Artistes, Manipur at Langol Housing Complex.

The society also staged the premier show of Paite dialect shumang leela entitled 'Khangban Sam Doh Ai' performed by PASS Entertainers, Churachandpur on January 27 at Paite Veng, Imphal.

Earlier 'Azawui Tuishot' performed by CR Film Industries, Ukhrul in Tangkhul dialect was staged last year on Nov 16 at Tangkhul Avenue.

The source also disclosed that a shumang leela in Kabui dialect and another in Tangkhul dialect is in the making and will be staged at the earliest.

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