Governor inaugurates 49th All Manipur Shumang Leela Fest

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 18 : Governor La Ganesan inaugurated the 49th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2020-21 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound today.
The festival is being organised  by Manipur State Kala Akademi, Imphal.
At the function, shumang leela  artistes who won awards at the 48th Manipur  Shumang Leela Festival 2019-20  were felicitated. A shumang leela based on Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu "Mei Iklaba Thamoi" was also showcased.
Speaking as the chief guest of  the inaugural function, the Governor stated that shumang leela is as popular as jatra of Bengal, tamasha of Maharashtra, Bhavi of  Madhya Pradesh and Nautanki of  Uttar Pradesh.
Saying that shumang leela, over the years, has become a powerful medium for mass education besides providing entertainment and relaxation, he urged the shumang leela artistes to  contribute their best for the betterment of the society.
"It is a unique feature that the shumang leela groups are composed of exclusively male artistes.
 In the meantime, groups comprising entirely female artistes have also come up and they have become prominent in many festivals," he added. Maintaining that he is happy to learn that contemporary shumang leelas focus on the issues of moral values, unity and integrity as well as brotherhood and friendship among the various communities in the State , La Ganesan asserted that shumang leela acts as an catalyst in bringing about peace and harmony in the society. Claiming that Manipur is at present passing through a difficult phase, the Governor urged all to preserve and promote the unity and integrity of the State.
La Ganesan, on the other hand, exuded confidence that the festival would enhance the standard of shumang leela, particularly for the female groups.
He concluded by congratulating the prize winners.
Langthabal AC MLA Karam Shyam was the president of the function.