Zeliangrong folk fest kicks off amid razzmatazz
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 17: With presentation of various cultural dances and songs, the 4th Zeliangrong Folk Festival, 2006 organised under the aegis of The Society for Promotion of Cultural Task, Imphal kicked off at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Palace Compound here today.

Organised under the theme of 'Peace and solidarity', the festival commenced with igniting of sacred fire through the process of Meiba Chingba (the traditional method of making fire by rubbing together bamboo chips) by the youth members of Pongringjang United Organisation.

Young girls present a cultural item at the Zeliangrong Folk Fest

The inaugural function was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district Norbert Disinang as chief guest, president of De-Malaria Control Organisation, Imphal Dr Monoranjan Khuman as functional president and chairman of Organising Committee, Zeliangrong Folk Festival Surjit Kamei as guest of honour.

In his address, Disinang observed that every ethnic groups living in Manipur since time immemorial have their own unique culture and tradition and efforts should be made collectively to promote and develop the cultural elements of every communities.

He said a society which does not have its own culture and tradition cannot survived, Disinang pointed out there can be peace and harmony in the society only after the cultural elements and tradition of that society have been developed.

Moreover, the identity of a society is known by its art, culture and tradition.

So it is heartening to see people of various communities coming together to showcase their cultural dances and folk song on one platform, he said.

In his presidential address, Dr Monoranjan Khuman noted youths have a greater responsibility and role in further improvement and enhancing the quality of culture and tradition of any society.

So learning from the experience of the past, the younger generation should come together and contribute their mite toward this noble cause.

While expressing that the Govt of India should work along with clear understanding of the aspirations and wishes of the people living in the North Eastern region, Dr Monoranjan pointed out that the problem of militancy in the region should be resolved politically and imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 is not the solution.

The festival comes alive to the presentation of colour cultural dances and folk songs by cultural troupes of various communities.