At a time when Manipuri culture is gradually dying, one must avoid tagging Sankirtana with religion and instead, collectively strive for preservation and promotion of Manipuri culture, said retired Pradhan Guru of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy and Padma Shri S Thanil.
He was speaking during the valedictory function of 30-day workshop cum production of Khubak Eshei held on Sunday at rehearsal hall of Shree Shree Govindaji Nat Sankirtan, Wangkhei Palace Compound.
Thanil further exhorted the youths of today to try to understand the origin of Nat Sankirtana and the traditional artforms and culture that existed in Manipur prior to king Bhagyachandra.
Saying that Sankirtana is just a way of performing and can inculcate teachings of all Sananahi, Hinduism and Vaishnavism, he appealed to the people to work for its preservation instead of tagging it with a particular religion.
He maintained that Khubak Eshei, which is a part of Sankirtana, stemmed from Jayadev performed during the Kang festival.
Reviving the dying art form of Khubak Eshei is crucial in today's era and such a workshop organised with the objective to give vigour to Khubak Eshei deserved appreciation, he added.
Meanwhile, Manipur State Kala Akademi awardee, K. Kumar said that such traditional artforms are sources of wisdom and philosophy.
Saying that Sankirtana will sustain as long as Manipuri society exists, he raised concern that such art forms are losing their value.
He appealed to the younger generations to seek knowledge from the elders and strive for promotion of the traditional art forms.
Production of the workshop Khubak Eshei (Pana Ahum) performed by Yaiskul Pana was also showcased after the function.
Meanwhile, the 28th one-month long training on Moirang Parva organised by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and Theatre Mirror, Imphal also concluded on Sunday.
Speaking as the chief guest of the closing function, MLA of Lamlai assembly constituency, Kh. Ibomcha said that Moirang Parva and Moirang Kangleirol cover all aspects of life just as the Mahabharatta and need to be studied.
He further stated that Shumang Leela has survived for ages as an effective medium to bring about social change and raise awareness among the people.
The MLA also appealed to all stakeholders to collectively strive for promoting the traditional art form of Shumang Leela.
Participants of the workshop were also felicitated during the occasion.
Meanwhile, the 30 days’ workshop cum creative production of 'Yenning Mapao' organised by Sidaba Cultural Foundation also came to a close on Sunday.
'Yenning Mapao' choreographed by assistant professor of Manipur University of Culture, Manju Elangbam was premiered later after the function.
