Yumnam Jatra Singh to be conferred Padma Shri posthumously
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB

Imphal, May 18 2026: Legendary exponent of Manipuri Nata Sankirtana Late Yumnam Jatra Singh will be posthumously conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2026 at The Civil Investiture Ceremony-I to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25 .

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the prestigious Padma Awards to 131 distinguished recipients, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards.

Of the total awardees, 19 are women, while 16 awards will be conferred posthumously.

Notably, Yumnam Jatra Singh was a legendary Manipuri cultural icon born on September 12, 1923, at Tendongyan Awang Leikai, Imphal West.

His life's work, spanning over seven decades, was dedicated to preserving and promoting spiritual heritage, including training generations of younger artists.

He held a Diploma in Nat Eshei (1976) and Diploma in Nat Cholom (1980) from Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) .

Most notably, his efforts played a significant role in UNESCO's recognition of Sankirtan as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, and the establishment of Manipur University of Cultures Department of Sankirtan.

Throughout his illustrious career, Yumnam Jatra has been the recipient of numerous State and National accolades including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award, the honourable Khamen Chatpa (royal loincloth), Sana Khuji (Gold Bangle), and cymbals presented by Maharaj Bodhachandra's wife, Nata Bhusan and the Manipur State Kala Akademi Award among others.

In 2017, he was bestowed with the title "Nata Ratna" in Sankirtana by Manipur Sahitya Parishad.

Yumnam Jatra Singh performed extensively in Manipur and beyond.

He participated in several festivals organized by Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Manipur State Kala Academy, and Guru Gulapi Nat Sankirtan Academy.

He also performed at Kirtan Festival in Tripura, Niti Leela and Nimai Sanyas Festival in West Bengal, and Manipuri Nata Sankirtana show in Delhi in 1960.Internationally, he performed at the Barak Festival in Bangladesh in 1949 .

He served as a visiting guru at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA).

He also held the title of 'Eshei Hanba' (chief performer) of the Shree Govindajee Naha Pala and was an approved artist of All India Radio, which helped extend the reach of Nat Eshei beyond State borders.

Jatra Singh passed away on October 11, 2025 .

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