Rhythm of Manipur's 'Pungee Tantha' premieres
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 08 2022: The new music composition/ensemble 'Punggee Tantha', which is the 23rd production of the Rhythms of Manipur, was showcased at the Golden Jubilee Stage of the Manipuri Jagoi Marup, Lamboi Khongnangkhong on Sunday.

Rangiketan Manipur chairman Ajit Das, Rhythms of Manipur president Likmabam Manibabu Singh and Art and Culture former commissioner M Lakshmikumar Singh attended premiere of the music ensemble as chief guest, president and special guest respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajit Das recalled the richness of Manipuri culture and performing arts compared to other art forms of the rest of the world.

He also lauded the Rhythms of Manipur for its contributions in the field of Manipuri culture during the last 35 years.

The Punggee Tantha is a music ensemble based on the beats and tunes of various songs including holi, tribal music, folk song, etc.

The beat of drums by 11 young girls in different beats with hand and stick gestures are the main part of this music ensemble, movement sequences holding the specially designed holi flag by four lady drummers added colour to the ensemble.

The folk song and the drum dance by three male drummers are also incorporated in the ensemble apart from combination of Meitei Pung, Dhollok and Khol with the support of three violins.

The music ensemble starts with the Pena invocation and concludes with drum dance by three male drummers and 14 female artistes.

Haobam Nisheshwor Singh is the director of the music ensemble.

It may be noted here that among others, the Rhythms of Manipur's 'The Journey and Dancing Drummers' won the prestigious Doordarshan national award in music category in 2009 and 2019-20 and its artistes have performed in many parts of the country and Asian countries.

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