IMPHAL, March 15

A workshop on “Ensemble of Manipuri and Bengali Folk Song” jointly organized by Kanglei Mime Theater Repertory and Archival Center for Arts, Manipur under the aegis of Eastern Zonal Cultural Center (EZCC), Kolkata, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India s’ is held today at the Kanglei Mime Theater Repertory Complex located in Langthabal Kunja.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yumnam Sadananda Singh, Director of Kanglei Mime Theater Repertoire, said the workshop was partly funded by EZCC.
The director emphasized the importance of folk song/folk music saying that the workshop was organized because people have a close connection with folk music from the time of birth till death, including all the important rituals and festivals of our culture which are always accompanied by folk music.
He added that folk music can also be used in mime performances.
Seeing the progress of Manipuri and Bengali folk music, the idea of ​​combining these two together led to the culmination of this workshop, he said.
He also shared that during the workshop, Manipuri and Bengali folk songs will be performed in turn, and then a fusion of these two types of folk music will be presented, which will provide a new and unique experience for the audience.
The 13-member Manipur troupe was led by famous folk singer Lourembam Bedabati while the 5-member Bengali troupe was led by Dr. Swapan Mukhopadhya.
Speaking as the main guest of the event, Budha Chingtham, President of the Cultural Workers and Activists Forum (CWAF) expressed his gratitude for the folk ensemble calling Bengali and Manipuri folk music rich and adding that a creative interaction between the two was an absolute necessity.
He further stated that if folk music/folk culture can be popularized, then it can do a great job of representing the state and becoming a cultural identifier.
The event was also attended by L Upendro Sharma, former director of JNM Dance Academy as the function chairman.