Workshop on Pena, dance costume making begins
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 04 2023: A six-day workshop on Pena and Manipuri Dance Costume Making organised by the Department of Dance and Music of Manipur University commenced at the university's court hall on Saturday.

The inaugural function of the workshop was attended by former MU vice chancellor Dr Ng Bijoy and Department of Dance and Music Head-In-Charge Dr P Lilabati Devi as chief guest and president respectively while present vice chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh, and Department of Dance and Music assistant professor Dr I.Subhadra Devi were guests of honour.

In his address, Dr Bijoy stated that in-spite of the popularity of Manipuri dances, including the Ras Leela, Manipur is bereft of any document/book written in English language on Ras Leela thereby curtailing its potential for acknowledgement and referral by foreigners.

There are hardly any writers in Manipur who write about Manipuri dance in English language, he noted.

Though we have renowned personalities and gurus of dance who are able to preserve the art form within precision, there are hardly any writers who could document Manipuri dance in English.

Ironically, books on Manipuri dance are written by non-Manipuri authors, he said while pointing out that he set up the department of Manipuri dance in Manipur University during his time as the vice chancellor with the stated objective to plug the deficiency to some extent.

A book titled "Performing of Arts and Culture" written by Dr Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi and Premlata Maisnam was also released on the occasion.

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