Manipur hosts Shumang Leela Festival to promote northeast culture

Imphal, May 11 : The 41st edition of the 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.

The 41st edition of the courtyard theatre was organized under the aegis of Manipur State Lalit Kala Academy. The 15daylong event saw the participation of 20 groups.

"Our main objective is to preserve our rich culture heritage and we give more important to the women artists who are preserving the original form of Shumang Leela," Bhubon Singh, Programme-in-charge, Manipur State Kala Academy

The theatre originated in the mid-nineteenth-century when it was known as Phange Leela and was an out and out comedy. It has evolved over a period of time and has become a vehicle for drawing attention to various issues that affect the society.

Visitors mostly sit on elevated ground surrounding the theatre court from all sides.

Now-a-days Shumang Leela is of two types - Nupa Shurnang leela, performed only by male artistes, and Nupi Shumang leela, performed only by female artistes.

"Sometimes we also perform Shumang Leela outside. I am doing this because I want to preserve our culture so I will continue to do it," said Ibetombi Devi, artist.

"It is very important for the new generation because if the youngsters do not watch such Leela then they will not know about the history of Manipur and its culture," added Satyaban, a visitor.