Hueiyen Rendezvous-I: For the cause of promoting Pena, a dying art form
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 12 2013 : It was a rare evening mesmerized by the soothing sound of Pena recital by none other than the renowned Pena artiste and Padmashri awardee Khangembam Mangi, but the anxiety on the faces of the audience over the dying indigenous musical art form of Manipur, which used to enjoy royal patronage once, from negligence by successive Governments and its related authorities, was quite palpable.

Presenting a special treat to the music lovers, Hueiyen Lanpao Columnists' Forum (HLCF) organized its first 'Hueiyen Rendezvous' bringing together Pena artiste Khangembam Mangi and cultural activist Dr Makhonmani Mongshaba for a demonstration cum lecture programme to facilitate understanding on the importance of Pena in Manipuri society at the Literary hall of Huieyen Lanpao daily at Sega Road Thouda Bhabok Leikai here today.

In his lecture, Dr Makhonmani Mongshaba, who has been doing an extensive research on Pena, explained that Pena is not just a musical instrument that has been passed down through the generations, but a treasure trove that mirrored the identity of Manipuri society as a whole.

One can trace the elements of not just of the Manipuri culture, tradition and history in Pena but also of philosophy, ideal and aestheticism of Manipuri society.

So, to understand Manipuri culture in its entirety, one has to study and know Pena and its importance.

However, Pena is becoming a dying musical art form today due to negligence by the people in the wake of various musical influences from outside.

He explained that at one time, Pena used to enjoy royal patronage and it has wide application in every social and religious life of the people.

But today, apart from its use during Lai Haraoba festival, Pena has been almost forgotten by the people and the Pena Loishang in the Sana Konung (Royal Palace) is existing only in name sake.

Lamenting over the fact that in spite of the importance of Pena, there has been no institution in the State where interested people can learn about Pena, Dr Mongshaba proposed that all the people in different fields including theatre, literature, music and media should come together for the preserving and promotion of Pena.

He also appreciated the effort made by Hueiyen Lanpao Columnists' Forum towards promotion of a dying art form like Pena and observed that this is the need of the hour.

Renowned Pena artist Khangembam Mangi enthralled the gathering with his performance of 'Kao-Phaba' episode from Moirang Kangleirol with finesse that could be expected from an artiste par excellence.

Interacting with the audience in between his performance, Mangi, who is also a well known Shumang Leela artiste of his time, elaborated that Pena is closely related to the culture and tradition of Manipur.

"In earlier days, Pena was used in every occasion associated with the life of the people of Manipur right from celebration of the birth of a child in the family to the funeral service of someone in the family.

Marriage ceremonies were also unthinkable in the absence of Pena.

It can produce different tunes suitable to different occasions", he added.

Khangembam Mangi started playing Pena since he was 11 years old.

He learnt the art of playing Pena from renowned Gurus of Pena like Oja Ahongjao, Oja Kanhai, Oja Mohon, Oja ng Kolomamu, Pandit Achaoba and Oja Kulachandra.

He served as a visiting Guru at the JN Manipur dance Academy for a long time.

He is presently the Lupa Leikham Shanglakpa in Sanakonung, Sana Leikham Shanglakpa of Pandit Loishang and also the Advisor of Umanglai Kanba Lup.

In recognition of his contribution in the field of Pena, Mangi was decorated with Padmashri by the Government of India.

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