State celebrates Sankirtana Day with cultural fervour
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 04 2025: Sankirtana Day was celebrated widely in the State today to honor and preserve Manipuri Nat Sankirtana, a ritual art form recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Sankirtana Day was observed today at the Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound, Imphal, with eminent cultural personality Aribam Syam Sharma gracing the event as the chief guest.

The event was jointly organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur; Manipur State Kala Akademi (MSKA), Manipur University of Culture (MUC), Pala Loishang, Shri Shri Govindaji Temple Board and Manipur Nata Sankirtana Apunba.

The celebration was also graced by dignitaries, including H Gyan Prakash, Commissioner, Art & Culture, Manipur; M Joy Singh, former Commissioner, Art & Culture, Manipur; K Dinamani Singh, Director, Art & Culture, Manipur; and Sunanda Thokchom, secretary, MSKA.

Speaking on the occasion, Aribam Syam Sharma described Manipur as a "magnificent land" endowed with a rich creative tradition and a culture nurtured by generations of talented personalities.

He noted that while Sankirtana traditions exist across India, Manipur's Sankirtana stands apart for its distinctive aesthetics and spiritual depth.

He urged authorities to honour the Gurus who have preserved this heritage by establishing a dedicated space to commemorate departed masters who played a crucial role in passing down the tradition & culture of Sankirtana.

He continued that the inclusion of the Sankirtana of Manipur to the Intangible Heritage of UNESCO overcoming various obstacles, should be protected and preserved with utmost care.

"If the aesthetics of Sankirtan is lost amidst the social change, the place occupied by Sankirtan in the Intangible List will eventually vanish and we need to take up steps to preserve the tradition and culture of Sankirtan of Manipur", he added.

Syam Sharma also appealed to the department concerned to form committees to preserve and promote the rich tradition and culture of various artistic forms of the State H Gyan Prakash hailed Syam Sharma's instrumental contribution in securing Sankirtana's UNESCO inscription.

"It is because of such renowned personalities that our traditional and cultural heritage has been made known to the world", he added.

He also assured that the Department will take necessary steps to preserve and promote the rich tradition and culture of Manipur.

As part of the event, eminent gurus and Sangeet Natak Academy recipients were felicitated.

Nupi Pala and Sankirtana performances by students of MUC and MANSA were the other highlights of the event.

Similarly, Sankirtana Day was also celebrated today at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), Imphal.

The event was graced by M Prithiviraj, former MLA, Moirang AC; Pukhrambam Bilash, Director, JNMDA; Ksh Kriti, Guru, JNMDA; and Longjam Joychandra, Vice Chairman, JNMDA as presidium members.

Offering of floral tributes to deceased Gurus of Nat Sankirtana were the main highlight of the event.

The celebration of Sankirtana Day highlighted the global recognition of this rich cultural heritage and served as a reminder of the importance of its preservation for future generations.

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