Imphal: Performers filled the stage in Irilbung on September 23. The Academy of Indigenous Music brought Holi Sankirtan to the Huiyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association. About 15 artists danced and sang for the crowd. This event capped a 15-day training workshop funded by the Department of Art and Culture through the Chief Ministergi Artistsingi Tengbang program.
Holi Sankirtan focuses on the worship of Radha and Krishna. It marks the Yaoshang festival in Manipur. Long ago, families invited troupes into their private homes to bring blessings. Now, the practice mostly stays inside temple walls. Irengbam Shyamchand Singh, secretary for the academy, noted the decline of this home-based tradition. He remains determined to keep the heritage alive.
The academy formed 18 years ago. Eight years later, the Ministry of Culture officially recognized the group. They now follow federal guidelines to protect local culture. Past productions from the group include Udokhon Leela, Gouranga Leela, Nitya Raas, and Kangsa Boro Leela. The staff hopes to teach these skills to the next generation. "With an aim and objective to contribute some effort in promoting Holi Sankirtan, this year our institute focused on this performing art," Singh said.
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