Shumang Leela festival held to promote northeast culture in Manipur
March 26th, 2011 - 4:44 pm ICT by ANIImphal, Mar 26 (ANI): The 39th edition of All Manipur Shumang Leela festival was recently held here to promote the culture of northeast India.
Not many may know but the art form derives its name from ‘Shumang’, which means ‘courtyard’ in local parlance.
The festival has traditionally been showcasing several plays based on contemporary themes. Though these performance have popularly been known to have an all-male cast performing in them, of late young women have also started getting roles in the Shumang plays.
Organisers said the month-long festival aims to revive popular traditions.
“Every year we celebrate the Shumang Leela festival to promote our culture,” saidKh. Bhubon Singh, Assistant Secretary, Manipur State Kala Academy.
“In our culture, ” Shumang Leela” is of great significance. It is an inseparable part of our culture. We want to keep this tradition alive,” said Iyang Lukhoi, an artist.
“Through this theatre festival we want to convey a message that we are all same. We want to live in peace and harmony without any differences,” added Dhaneshwor, another artist. “I think Shumang Leela is very good because everyone comes here and enjoys the theatre. At the same time we also learn a lot from the performances. So, I think we should celebrate such festivals every year, said Parmeshwor, audience.
Apart from its theatrical significance, Shumang leela also plays an important role in raising issues, which concern and affect people in the state.
Shumang Leela’s origin goes back to the reign of King Chandrakriti in the 19th century. Today, the theatre form is a distinct facet of the state’s identity. (ANI)
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Tags: 19th century, art form, assistant secretary, audience, courtyard, facet, festivals, imphal, kala, leela, manipur state, northeast india, parlance, peace and harmony, tradition, traditions, young women