Workshop censures lavish events, calls for preserving culture
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 23 2024:
The two-day workshop titled "Changing Nature of Rites of Passage and Their Impacts on Economy," which concluded at the MIMS auditorium on Sunday, highlighted the urgent need to preserve the true essence of the rites of passage while addressing the economic burdens associated with modern ceremonial practices.
Key recommendations included maintaining traditional customs, restricting the integration of foreign cultural elements, and reducing extravagant spending on weddings and other ceremonies.
The formation of a vanguard organisation to implement the said recommendations and effective execution of the Manipur Culture Policy were also emphasised as critical steps toward safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Meetei/Meitei community.
The workshop, moderated by former Art and Culture commissioner Kangjam Radhakumar, addressed the evolving cultural practices in Manipuri society and their economic ramifications.
The workshop featured two technical sessions, each with distinguished speakers contributing their insights on the subject.
In the first session, social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, head of Manipur University's South East Asian Studies Dr Chinglen Maisnam, and L Sanoi College, Nambol assistant professor Shreema Ningomba spoke on the topics.
The second session had Dr Saikhom Rabi of Dhanamanjuri University, Thokchom Thouyangba of Anji Cultural Academy (Kongba), Leimapokpam Lakhpati of Guru Gulapi Nata Sankirtana Academy (Kwakeithel Nganappithong), and Irengbam Ibobi of All Manipur Arangpham Association as speakers.
The workshop identified several negative trends affecting the culture of Manipuri society.
It was observed that the infiltration of foreign cultural practices could lead to socio-economic issues, including poverty.
Emphasis was placed on the need to recognise these issues and address them through cultural reform.
The workshop also made several recommendations aimed at preserving the true essence of Manipuri rites of passage and addressing economic burdens, called upon the people to maintain the authenticity of Manipuri rites of passage and avoid the integration of foreign cultural elements that could dilute indigenous practices.
Establishing a cultural code or stricture to guide ceremonies and rituals, and restricting extravagant spending in ceremonial events were highlighted as crucial steps.
Recent trends such as cutting cakes, presenting rings, elaborate photo sessions, offering liquor, Thabal Chongba, and dancing including the bride and groom, ribbon-cutting sessions for master beds during Heijingpot and weddings should be eliminated.
Minimising lavish decorations for weddings and reducing pre and post marriage programmes, including high-tech photo sessions and parties, were also recommended.
To address economic fallouts, the workshop suggested avoiding the distribution of cash to attendees (Sel thaba) during weddings and other social-religious ceremonies and limiting spending on Potloi and makeup.
It was also suggested that cameramen should wear traditional or cultural attire in wedding events.
To uphold the rich cultural values of the Meetei/Meitei community, the workshop proposed formation of a vanguard organisation comprising various cultural bodies and tasked with implementing the workshop's recommendations.
The importance of fully implementing the Manipur Culture Policy to conserve and promote cultural values was also emphasised.
The policy should encompass all rites of passage, cultural celebrations, Lai Haraoba, and other calendar rituals and festivals.
A mass campaign was recommended to raise public awareness on the cultural do's and don'ts and follow-up convention recommended after the for mation of the conglomerate of organisations to ensure the effective implementation of the workshop's recommendations.
The workshop underscored the critical need for cultural preservation amidst the rapid modernisation and globalisation impacting Manipuri society.