Let's try to save disappearing art forms: P Bilash
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 27 2023:
'Revival of Khunung Eshei in the locality of Manipur', a workshop organised by Guru Abunghal Dance and Music Centre with the sponsorship of CMAT under Art and Culture Department concluded at Standard Club, Khurai Nandeibam Leikai on Sunday.
Speaking as chief guest of the closing function, JN Manipur Dance Academy director Pukhrambam Bilash noted that although it is not known who created the folk music (Khunung eshei/khulang eshei) as we know it today, the style of singing has been used by our forefathers for ages.
However, there have been changes in the style, lyrics and tone of the singing.
While it is not unusual to see the changes due to passage of time, we must still ensure the originality of the art form as much as we can, he stressed.
Observing that the younger generation seems to have almost zero connection or crossing with folk music (Khunung eshei/khulang eshei), he called for preserving the disappearing or dying art forms, while lauding the efforts made by Guru Abunghal Dance and Music Centre in this regard.
According to Centre's general secretary guru N Memcha, the workshop was organised in continuation of the instructions left behind the former teachers based on the seminar held on the book, 'Meitei Jagoi anisuba lairik' in 1971 .
She continued that humans have a natural affinity for music and dance, even if one may not be properly able to set the tone and style of the music at the first instance.
The present musical flow and tunes are a result of the efforts of our ancestors, she reminded the gathering.
As part of the closing function, which was presided over by Guru Abunghal Dance and Music Centre president K Hemchandra, guru N Memcha directed a folk performance (Khunung Eshei), followed by Lai Haraoba Thougal performance.