Diaspora promoting Meetei culture in Bangladesh
Source: Chronicle News Service / Sagolsem Bigyan
Dhaka, May 16 2024:
Manipuri Cultural Complex, also referred to as Mangge Makhong, in Tetaigoan, Adam-pur, within Moulvi Bazar district of Bangladesh, has been playing a significant role in advancing and nurturing Meetei culture in the neighbouring country.
However, despite its efforts to foster Meetei culture, absence of Manipuri priest, priestess, and Pena artiste at the cultural complex hinders flawless conduct of Lai-Haraoba, a religious festival among the Meeteis deeply rooted in the worship of sylvan deities and ancestors.
This came to light during a visit to Bangladesh organised by United Committee Manipur (UCM), with the objective of tracing the ancestral heritage of Manipuris who have migrated and settled in the country.
The team led by UCM president Joy-chandra Konthoujam, was also accompanied by a handloom and cultural delegate.
As part of the visit, a handloom expo was organised at the Cultural Complex along with an international cultural programme on May 14 with the latter featuring stalls showcasing traditional Manipuri attires drawing large crowd of Bangladeshi Meeteis.
In addition, artistes of Tapasya, a performing art centre from Singjamei Wangma Pebiya Pandit Leikai presented Manipuri dance and songs.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the programme, Manipuri Cultural Complex president Langoljam Joyonto Singha appreciated the initiative taken up by UCM to visit Manipuris scattered and settled in different parts of the world to trace the roots and also for organising various programmes aimed at promoting and preserving Meetei culture.
He said that the Indian High Commission established the Manipuri Cultural Complex with the aim of preserving and safeguarding Meetei culture.
This institute has been actively involved in nurturing Meetei culture and traditional attire.
Initially, the government of Manipur dispatched two weaving experts subsequently contributing increasing the number of women engaged in weaving activities to 15 .
The revenue generated from the weaving business is sustaining the operations of the complex.
Though the cultural complex is striving promote Meetei culture, absence of Manipuri priests, priestesses, and Pena artistes is a hindrance in celebration of Lai-Haraoba in the truest sense, he said and suggested deputing individuals with expertise in Lai Haraoba from Manipur to aid in preservation and promotion of Meetei culture.
In-spite of the challenges faced, the cultural complex will persist in its efforts to promote and safeguard Meetei culture regardless, Joyonto affirmed.
According to Joychandra Konthoujam, Meeteis settling in Bangladesh should take proactive role in making aware the people of Bangladesh that Meeteis are bringing laurels for India in the field of sports and art and culture and extend support in promoting Meetei culture.
In the meantime, it was discovered that Manipuri dance has been incorporated in the curriculum of Dhaka University in Bangladesh, attracting consid erable interest from students.
The Dance Department at Dhaka University was established in 2014, and since then, Manipuri dance has been part of its course.
However, the university is yet to establish any collaborations with institutions in Manipur regarding inclusion of Manipuri dance in its programme.
On Wednesday, the UCM team also met with assistant professor Tamanna Rahmangasu of the Dance Department, where they observed how Manipuri dance is being taught at the university.
Additionally, they engaged in discussions on potential for development of the Manipuri dance department.
It was noted that the Manipuri dance taught at the university has slight variations from its original form.
Assistant professor Tamanna expressed that with Ma-nipuris living in Bangladesh for over 250 years, Manipuri culture has now become a part of Bangladesh culture.
Consequently, there is a focus on prioritising the teaching of classical Manipuri dance at the university for which the Indian High Commission has assured full support.
Furthermore, the team visited Manipuri Para, formerly inhabited by Meeteis, only to find that no Meeteis currently reside in the area now.
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