Imphal, January 24 2010: The annual Shumang Leela Festival will begin from February 3 next.

In the festival which will continue till February 23, a total of 27 Shumang leela groups 11 in male category and 16 in female category will be participating.

Unlike previous years, there will no competition, said vice chairman of the festival committee Naba Warepa revealed while speaking to reporters here at the office of the Manipur Shumang Leela Council at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today.

Citing reason behind holding the only the festival sans competition which has been a feature of the festival organised by the Council in association with the State Kala Akademy, Naba observed that the decision has been taken keeping in view the reservations of the leela parties with the existing system of competition.

Instead of a healthy competition, now the competition become a battle ground, with some leela parties even resorting to bribing officials of the State Kala Akademy, Naba alleged.

This unhealthy practice of bribing has caused immense displeasure among the leela artistes and many a time the authorities have declared best leelas contrary to what the jury had decided.

However, Naba maintained that the authority of the State Kala Akademy did not accept the proposal of holding the festival without competition by the Council citing that there is no provision for holding festival in the Akademy.

The appraisal of the council was turned down as officials of the Akademy felt they will not any get bribe money in case it was held only as festival, the vice-chairman alleged.

Even though the festival has been held with a view to preserve the traditional art of the state, the competition has killed the objective.

Instead of improving the art form, it has diminished its quality, he observed.

This year, the festival will not be related with the State Kala Akademy.

The council will not take part in activities of the Akademy instead the Council will take assistance from the people in organising the festival.

The council will give incentive to five best plays, best production, best actors/actress, music and honour them with certificates and mementos.

Seats of the members of the jury will be provided among the audience.

A photo exhibition of old leelas and a special programme of the male enacting female roles will be the other highlights of the festival, Naba announced.

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