Govindas calls for revival of dying cultural heritage
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 06 2026: Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has stressed the importance of reviving and promoting dying intangible cultural heritage of Manipur at the closing function of the 1st North East Waree Leeba Festival 2026 today.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 5-day festival which kicked off at the Irom Meijrao Mamang Makha Leikai Community Hall on November 2, Govindas expressed concern that many art forms including Waree Leeba, Khongjom Parva etc have been on a steady decline over the decades.

Manipuri cultural heritage, including the Nata Sankirtana and Ras Leela, have gained global recognition, yet some of the art forms passed down for generations have declined over the years, he said.

The Nata Sankirtana, he said, is recognised as one of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and the Ras Leela is recognised globally.

Appreciating visitors from Assam and Tripura who took part in the Waree Leeba Festival, Govindas stressed that such festivals would help revive, preserve and promote Waree Leeba, Khongjom Parva and other art forms.

The State Government, he said, will take up efforts to further develop the Art and Culture Department as a major department.

Former MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy Director Pukhrambam Bilash, Manipur State Kala Akademi Awardee Loitongbam Brajamohon and Irom Meijrao Up Pradhan Saikhom Memma and Repertory of Waree Leeba Manipur director T Shyamkanhai attended the closing function.

The festival was organised by the Repertory of Waree Leeba Manipur and Irom Meijrao Women for Cultural Centre under the Cultural Function and Production Grant (CFPG) Scheme of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

10 Waree Leeba Gurus from across the North East performed in the festival.

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