Northeast

Newly formed local body revives Manipur's 'Sembung' tradition to communicate with villagers

'Sembung' tradition has been adopted by Aying Leikai Singlup, which was formed on Monday at Meitei Langol in Imphal West.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 22 Aug 2022, 5:11 pm

(Photo: IFP)
(Photo: IFP)

Aying Leikai Singlup, which was formed on Monday at Meitei Langol in Imphal West, has decided to adopt the age-old tradition of using “Sembung (a type of gong)” as a medium to communicate with villagers of Meitei Langol.

“As a Meitei breather, it is a tradition to join Singlup, which is a social and traditional institution of the Meitei society,” Aying Leikai Singlup president Heisnam Mangijao said while announcing the formation of the institution on Monday.

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The trend of setting up a Singlup in every Meitei locality is an ancient traditional practice, he said, adding its role is to preserve the discipline, culture and religious practices of the Meitei community.

Talking about the adoption of “Sembung”, he informed that it was installed at the royal palace and used to give various kinds of messages to the people depending on the style and number of beats.

 “With mobile phones we can communicate with only those villagers using the device. However, through the beating of Sembung we can communicate with all the villagers,” he said.

It will be a very effective mode of communication during any eventualities of emergency, he added.

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The programme was also attended by Laipham Lakpa of Utra Sanglen Salam Birendra; vice-president of UKAL Ak Ibomcha; Meitei Leepul member Pramod; member of Meitei Tribe Union Nandalal Angomcha; president of Kanglei Salai Kanba Lup Y Bimola; member of Utra Sanglen Y Babu and representative of Sana Konung A Gojendro as presidium members.

It may be mentioned that Sembung or traditional gong is still being used by several tr.ibal communities in certain villages in the hills of Manipur to send out messages during emergencies.

Also Read: War on Drugs in Manipur: CM Biren issues 'strict instructions' to officials

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First published:

Tags:

cultureAying Leikai Singluptraditional gongsembung

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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