Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14 2010:
A cultural troupe consisting of 11 artistes left Imphal for Tripura today to stage a performance on the concluding day of the year-long observance of Major Chongtha Mia centenary at Tripura.
The function to commemorate the death centenary of Major Chongtha Mia is being organised jointly by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur and the Major Chongtha Mia Memorial Trust, Naran Khamar, Tripura.
It may be recalled here that Major Chongtha Mia was the commander of the Manipuri troops in the battle of Khongjom, fought between the British and the Manipuris.
After his release from the Cellular Jail of the Andamans Islands in 1895, Major Chongtha Mia breathed his last in Tripura as he was not permitted to enter Manipur by the Britishers.
The highlight of the concluding function on January 17 would be offering of Tarpon at Sinai river, which is the Tripura-version of the Khongjom river of Manipur.
This would be followed by Kirtan at the Ingkhol where Major Chongtha Mia had lived till the end of his life.
The cultural programme in the evening would attended by well-known Khongjom Parva artist Khumanthem Sundari Devi who will sing on the theme of Khongjom war and the last days of Major Chongtha Mia at Takhel (present Tripura).
S Durgeswari Devi and Mangka Devi will also perform Pena on the episode of Thoibi Loikaba.
The grand finale of the event would be general salute to Major Chongtha Mia by five female Thang-Ta artistes of Huyel Lallong Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, Imphal.