Shumang Leela Festival-2024 begins
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 14 2024: Shumang Leela Festival-2024 jointly organised by the department of Art and Culture, and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council under the sponsorship of the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre of the Ministry of Culture, kicked off on Saturday at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shan-glen, Palace compound, Imphal.

A total of 10 Shumang Leela groups including five female groups are taking part in the festival being held for the first time after the eruption of the violence on May 3, 2023 .

The opening ceremony of the festival, which will continue till December 18, was attended by Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre's board of governors member Budha Chingtham as chief guest, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council president Laishram Tomba as president and deputy director (art & culture) G Dharmadas as guest of honour.

Addressing gathering at the event, Budha Chingtham said Shumang Leela is a powerful medium for communication and it plays big role in shaping a good future for Manipur.

He also said that Shumang Leela is the only theatre form of Manipur in the world and it is among the oldest theatre form in the world.

Deeply concerned over diminishing popularity of Shumang Leela, Budha Chingtham stressed the need for reviving the traditional art form.

Manipur State Shumang Leela Council life time secretary Sougrakpam Hemanta said that Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing violence since May, 2023 stalled performance of Shumang Leela for a long time.

He said that the festival is being organised to revive the traditional art form and the festival will help in bringing back peace and normalcy in the state.

On the opening day of the festival, female group Women Art and Culture Association showcased 'Lonnabi Macha' and male group Peacemaker Artiste Association presented 'Mutlaroidaba Machu' .

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