Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 02 2010:
Apart from being a full-time profession now, the art of Wari-Liba has been trying to promote relationship between the hill and the valley people as well as their social and religious evolution, noted exponent of the Wari Liba art has stated.
In an interactive session with the visitors, facilitated as part of the ongoing 18th Imphal Book Fair being organised jointly State Central Library and Department of Art and Culture at Hapta Kangjeibung here today, Chana Lukhoi, who is also a State awardee of Shumang Leela playwright, explained that the art of Wari Liba has been in existence even before it is being recognised as an art form and the exponents of this art form has been playing a major role in promoting relationship between the hill and the valley.
Apart from taking up themes from Hindu mythology, Wari Libas are today delving into issues related to the origin of the people in the State, development of their language and scripts and the contents of the Puyas as a full time profession, Chana Lukhoi observed.
The popularity of the art form has today extended beyond the boundary of Manipur to Assam, Bangladesh, Tumu (Myanmar) as well, he added.
Born in Chana locality of Lamlai Assembly Constituency on April 18, 1950, Chana Lukhoi has been in the profession of Wari Liba for the last many years.
He has also written over 148 scripts of Shumang Leela winning awards in over 18 scripts.