51st Shumang Leela Festival gets underway
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 10 2023: The 51st All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival-2022-2023 organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi, began from Friday at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace compound.

Hiyanglam MLA Dr Yumnam Radheshyam, who attended as chief guest of the festival's opening ceremony, said that Manipur State Kala Akademi has been playing a crucial role in promotion of art and culture and accordingly need to strive for existing as a vibrant and exemplary institution.

He further said that the Akademi has been leaving no stone unturned in the promotion of different art forms apart from preservation and promotion of Shumang Leela.

Despite its existence for more than 50 years, the Akademi seems to be incomplete till date and yet to become an autonomous body, he noted, while adding that there is no regular secretary for the Akademi.

While reminding all concerned that art and culture identifies Manipur to the world, Dr Radheshyam said that Manipur gets a prominent space in the global art and culture stage due to its rich cultural heritage, existence of unique art forms and talented artistes and teachers.

Shumang Leela is one such rich art forms of Manipur that is taking immense responsibility in bringing society to the right path, he added.

According to MLA Radheshyam, Shumang Lee la has been in existence in Manipur before the arrival of proscenium theatre and this performing art form is a powerful medium which could transform the society.

When many indigenous art forms of Manipur have either gone extinct or waned in popularity, Shumang Leela is still alive despite changes brought by time.

One main reason for this has been Shumang Leela's capability to serve as a medium of dissemination of social message and as an entertainment platform, he added.

While asserting that Shumang Leela depicts culture, tradition and custom of people of the land, the Hiyanglam MLA stressed the need for keeping intact all these characteristics of Shumang Leela and this should be kept in mind by groups, playwrights and artistes seriously.

He also strongly called for improvement of female Shumang Leela groups and giving them a proper platform.

Commissioner (art & culture) M Joy, who presided over the opening ceremony of the festival, said that the role played by Shumang Leela in shaping Manipuri society is huge and it would not be wrong to contend that this art form is a powerful medium.

He further said that Shumang Leela both exposes and rectifies mistakes of the society and enlightens the masses on crucial issues.

The event was marked by release of brochure of the festival, presentation of prizes to winners of the 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival and showcasing of Sanaleibak Nachom Ar tiste's play entitled 'Wakhal Eronba', which bagged best production prize in the last edition of the festival.

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