Promotion, popularity of Thang-Ta stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 26 2023: Highlighting the significance of Thang-Ta in the history of Manipur, Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association director Padmashree Guru K Sanathoiba said that understanding the worthiness of Thang-Ta in upholding the sovereignty of Manipur for thousands of years can instil sense of patriotism among the people.

Speaking as chief guest of the closing ceremony of the 10th Festival of Thang-Ta organised by Goodwill Foundation for Culture (GFC), Bamon Kampu under the aegis of Cultural Function and Production Grant (CFPG) of the Ministry of Culture, at Bamon Kampu Makha Leikai badminton hall on Tuesday, Sanathoiba recounted that after the British conquered Manipur, there was a ban on teaching and learning Thang-Ta, which marked the downfall of the indigenous martial art form.

Prior to the British conquest, having proper knowledge of Thang-Ta was a basic necessity for every individual, he said, adding that in-spite of the restrictions imposed, the intrinsic values and basic forms of Thang-Ta remained imbedded in the culture, tradition, religion and dances.

Considering the role it played in upholding the sovereignty of the kingdom, creating mass awareness of its significance can instil the sense of patriotism among the people, the director said.

He also commended GFC for organising the festival regularly and said that such initiatives will help in promoting the art form among the youths.

According to GFC secretary Th Joykumar, research and promotion of Thang-Ta, Sarit Sarak among the youths is the main objective of organising the festival.

Even during the present crisis, the foundation received several requests to teach Thang-Ta among the youth of the foothill villages.

Consequently, the foundation trained over 200 youths in several 15-day courses, he informed.

GFC president Th Bhubol presided over the function while social worker Heirom Suresh attended as guest of honour.

Certificates were distributed to participants of the festival on the occasion, which also had cultural performances.

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