Kolkata, January 14: A silent, colorful and dignified procession marked the beginning of the Festival of Manipur 2003 in Kolkata today.

Starting from Aiketan, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre complex - Aiketan, with Dr Nara Singh, the Minister of Arts and Culture, leading the way, the procession wound its way through the streets of Kolkata, carrying a message of peace; 'a culture of peace' to the Swabhumi complex, the main venue of the festival.

Making up the marchers were - artistes of the Sanaleibak Nachom, (including its two lovely child-artistes who plays the role of young Paro and Devadas) dressed in white Pheijom and Pumyat and over it a Khamenchatpa waist-coat, dancers from the Thadou Kuki Cultural Troupe, Churachandpur, in their traditional costumes, school children from the Mass Education, run by an NGO from Kolkata, and other artistes from the Jawahar Lal Dance Academy, the government Dance College, craftsman, literary figures, government officials, all marching to the tune traditional tune from the Lai Haraoba played by the Heirok Maning Leikai Band (also dressed in all white Pheijom and Pumyat).

For the over 400 artistes, literary figures, craftsmen, this procession is a journey for peace, a journey for cultural exchanger a journey, which began four days back when they started from Imphal, on the 10th of this month and came all the way to Kolkata by bus, encountering numerous inconveniences and discomfort with calm dignity.

This Journey, over the next five days, will unveil the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Manipur as manifested in its dances, music, literature, art, craftsmanship etc.

After the culmination of the procession, the chief guest, the governor of Manipur, Ved Marwah, and the Guest of Honour, Shyamal Datta, the governor of Nagaland arrived were given a traditional welcome with Oja Mangi and party playing the Kalen Seiding.

They were then led up a winding stairs lined with men and women from different ethnic groups attired in their traditional costumes to the main area of the complex and into an auditorium.

Inside the auditorium the usual lighting of the lamp, presentation of gifts and the speeches marked the formal inauguration of the festival.

In his welcome speech, Dr Nara, the minister of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, talk about the relevance of this festival, which has as its central theme 'A Culture of Peace', in our present day context, riddled with violence.

He also, showed his appreciation of the governor of Nagaland, Shyamal Datta, and Harsh Vardhan, Chairman of Swabhumi for the help and cooperation in putting together this festival.

The Governor of Nagaland, Shyamal Datta, while addressing the gathering said, "culture is immortal, culture is invincible and we are all born with it".

Exponding on the theme of culture and peace he said that, culture brings respect and understanding of our differences and also teaches us how to live with it.

The Governor of Manipur, Ved Marwah talked about the significance of holding, the festival in Calcutta, a place which has a history of cultural interaction with Manipur.

He further said that Manipur is a mosiac of different cultures and each needs to be encouraged so that they all flourish in the state of Manipur.

In his presidential speech, Harsh Vardhan, Chairman, Swabhumi, hoped that all the artiste who have come here will enjoy the hospitality of the people of Kolkata and will take back fond memories from here.

After the speeches, a variety culture progamme followed.

This included Lai Haroba by he JN Dance Academy, followed by Pung Cholom.

Then came the Kabui Naga Dance followed by Thadou Kuki Dance followed by Thang-Ta.

Last came the Mao dance.

For Many Kolkatans this will be the first, they will have an opportunity to witness such variety and richness of dances and music, of art and literature, of crafts and Handloom from the land of Manipur.

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