Leishemba bats for Lai Haraoba in UNESCO Heritage list
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 18 2025: Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, has urged Union Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to fulfil the long-cherished dream of the Manipuri people by facilitating the inclusion of the internationally acclaimed Lai Haraoba festival in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister on Saturday, Leishemba Sanajaoba highlighted the cultural and philosophical significance of Lai Haraoba, describing it as a religious and social festival deeply rooted in Manipuri tradition.

He underscored its universal message of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", meaning "the whole world is one family", and its portrayal of the creation of the cosmos, Earth, and human civilisation as envisioned by the Supreme God.

"Lai Haraoba is a repository of different facets of Manipuri culture, including songs, dances, and rituals.

It symbolises the creation, evolution, and development of human civilisation, making it an inevitable cultural event for every Manipuri locality annually," the MP wrote.

Leishemba Sanajaoba also mentioned that the festival is not only celebrated in Manipur but has also extended its presence to Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

He noted that internationally renowned scholars, such as Louise Lightfoot, have studied and documented Lai Haraoba, with her book Dance Rituals of Manipur, India published in 1958 gaining significant recognition.

The MP informed that the state government, through its department of art and.

culture, has already submitted a proposal along with the necessary dossiers to the Sangeet Natak Akademi on October 15, 2024, for the festival's nomination to UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

He requested the Union Minister to impress upon the Sangeet Natak Akademi'in New Delhi to recommend Lai Haraoba for UNESCO's list and take necessary actions to ensure its inscription.

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