IMPHAL, Dec 30 : A one-day convention on "Dynamic perspective of Manipur culture-I" organized by the Centre for Development of Arts and Culture of Manipur, CEDAC, was held at Kangla Hall today.
Padmashri N Khelchandra, member of the Kangla Fort Board who was the chief guest at the inaugural function spoke at length on the history and significance of various sites inside the fort.
Padmashri Thourani Sabi, retired pradhan guru of the JN Manipur Dance Academy said in her presidential address that discipline and dedication was necessary for students in the field of art.
Three resource persons presented their papers in the academic session at the convention.
Speaking on "Indigenous folklore music of Manipur", Laishram Birendrakumar Singh said that folk music is undergoing many changes in its essence.
"Folk music plays a major role in constituting folk lore music. The latter is the legacy left behind by civilizations in terms of the expression of beliefs, customs, rites and rituals, prayers etc.," he said.
Birjit Ngangomba speaking on "Salient features of indigenous Manipuri martial arts", said that there are different forms of Manipuri martial arts like Mukna, Sharit Sarak, Ten, Arambai etc. "But Thang Ta is not merely an art form. It was a way of life for our ancestors for generations," he said.
"It would be wrong to think that a one hour display of basic movements with a thang and ta in hand on stage is the end," he added.
Makhonmani Mongshaba said that the cultural heritage of Manipur can be studied in two phases: the norms followed by the people of Manipur before the advent of Hinduism and the practices followed by the people after Hinduism made its appearance. Makhonmani was speaking on the topic, "Aspects of Manipuri culture".