Reverence is the Greatness of Manipuri Art: First Lady
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, October 26 2012: The first Lady of Manipur (Governor's wife), Kiran Jagat said that the making of the greatness of Manipuri art and culture is the reverence to the art of weaving and the effort of the people to divinely weave the celestial gods and goddesses into the very fabric of their life.

Kiran Jagat said this as the chief guest at the concluding function of the workshop and exhibition of the "Manipurgi Sinnailonda-Leeba" (Reviving traditional appliqu� art of Manipur - workshop & exhibition) held today at the conference hall of the Artistes' workshop cum Dormitory, Palace Compound.

Speaking at the end of the 10 days long programme, organized by the department of Art & Culture, Manipur and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata Kiran Jagat said how she had long admired the intrinsic, delicate artistry of weaving and embroidery done by the Manipuri women.

With her in-depth knowledge of this art as only an expert can understand, she goes into detail on the delicate aspect of the art involved and bringing out of the product.

First Lady of the State Kiran Jagat (R) making a presentation to one of the participants on the concluding day of the workshop on reviving traditional appliqu� art of Manipur

She lauded the blending of colours, exquisite design of objects depicted in the design of clothes.

She recalled that she was so struck by its elegance that in order to learn the art, cajoled one of the Raj Bhavan lady to teach her but found herself 20 years too late as her body could not adapt to it, she said.

She relates its origin as from the pantheon goddesses Leimarel or Panthoibi as according to legend and the art as influenced and taught by the goddess - production of cotton, spinning, weaving, designing and embroidery.

Therefore, such reverence of the art led the people of Manipur to weave gods and goddesses into the very fabric of their life too, she said.

Such reverence goes into making the greatness of Manipuri culture and art, she remarked.

She discussed the fine aspect of the art in artistic, fine and delicate detail along with the history and background behind the art.

Appreciating the organizing of the workshops for bringing alive the dying traditions, she said that she was surprised to see such exquisite and beautifully created appliqu� at the workshop.

She congratulated the participants for their high standard of craftsmanship.

This encourages the Phiriba craft and makes people aware of the rich heritage of their culture, she said.

She concluded by saying, "Let the people of India get a glimpse of this exquisite jewel called Manipur and its aesthetic excellence" .

The president of the function, Dr Kh Sorojini Devi, former Director of Art and Culture, Manipur said that even if appliqu� art has practically involved and engaged people in their day to day household works and become part of the life of a Manipuri, yet they are not aware of the intrinsic value of this art.

She further said that many traditional Manipuri clothes like Wangkhei Phee has reached many countries of the world and of enormous demand in the international market.

There is need of government attention and initiative with proper funding through the department of Art and Culture as effort of individual to revive and preserve appliqu� art would be very hard, she added.

She suggested establishment of an appliqu� art school inside the art and culture department complex with expert faculties while recommending more of such workshops in future.