Kongpal Nupee Ishei Maarup on Monday performed ‘Akrur Sangbad’, a Khubak Eshei (A traditional art form of Manipur) production, at Pebam Mandap Kongpal Kshetri Leikai, Imphal East on Monday.
Speaking at the inaugural function as chief guest, Imphal East district Zilla Parisad up-adhyaksha Keshtri Tama Devi appreciated the Kongpal Nupee Ishei Maarup for producing various art forms and promoting the art and culture of Manipur.
Promoting the art form, the women artistes of the institution has been performing Khubak Eshei during the Kang festival, she said.
Top Naoriya gram panchayat pradhan Mangshatabam Dinachandra Singh and Kongpal Nupee Ishei Marup advisor Khomdram Surendra Singh also attended the inaugural function as guest of honour and president respectively.
Dinachandra said Khubak Eshei is being performed at various platforms during the Kang festival; but the art forms seem to be dying out. To promote the art form, the Kongpal Nupee Ishei Maarup has been playing a major role, he said.
Advisor of the institution Surendra said, ‘Akrur Sangbad’ is a part of Raas Leela demonstrated in the form of Khubak Eshei. He said ‘Akrur Sangbad’ is the charioteer who brought back Lord Krishna from Brindavan to Mathura and he is one of the disciples of Lord Krishna.
The journey of Lord Krishna from Brindavan to Mathura is demonstrated in the form of Khubak Eshei during the production. The art form was introduced during the reign of King Churachand and the art form was first demonstrated by one female artiste Lourembam Tombi, he added.
At that time, there was a controversy on whether female artistes should be allowed to perform the Khubak Eshei art form, he added.
The then king Maharaja Bhudhachandra and his next king Okendra allowed women artistes to demonstrate the art form during their reign. The institution has been putting efforts to promote Khubak Eshei before it becomes extinct, the advisor said. Later, women artistes of the institution performed the Khubak Eshei.
