Imphal, March 24, 2026: A three-day Festival of Dance and Music was inaugurated today at the Government Dance College, Palace Compound, Imphal. The festival is being organised by the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in association with the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.
Attending the inaugural function as Chief Guest, Tongbram Robindro Singh, MLA of Thanga Assembly Constituency, expressed his delight at being part of the event. He stated that the festival is not merely an event but a celebration of creativity, culture, and connection, bringing together the rhythm of music and the grace of dance under one platform.
Highlighting the cultural richness of the state, he said Manipur stands as a shining example of artistic excellence, with traditions like Manipuri Raas Leela reflecting devotion, discipline, and deep cultural expression. He added that such art forms connect generations, preserve identity, and carry forward meaningful stories through performance.
He further emphasized the importance of such platforms in nurturing young talent, stating that it is encouraging to see youth actively participating with passion and respect for tradition. He appreciated the organisers for creating a platform that not only showcases art but truly celebrates it, expressing confidence that the festival will inspire minds and strengthen cultural bonds in the days ahead.
Speaking at the function, Commissioner of Art and Culture, H. Gyanprakash, IAS, expressed satisfaction and noted that the festival marks a significant revival of cultural activities after a period of disruption. He highlighted that the event features daily performances and provides a platform for both students and renowned artists, including several award recipients. He also informed that workshops involving around 50 participants were conducted prior to the festival.
Guest of Honour Budha Chingtham, Member of the Board of Governors, EZCC, stressed the importance of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region. He noted that despite having many nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, Manipur has faced challenges in organising large-scale cultural events in recent years, and expressed hope that such initiatives would help bridge gaps and bring cultural practices closer to the people.
The festival brings together artists, teachers, and cultural practitioners, aiming to strengthen cultural bonds and promote greater appreciation for traditional art forms. A variety of performances, including Folk Music, Thang-Ta, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and other folk dances, will be showcased at the open stage, Laibung, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
On the inaugural day, performances such as Folk Music by Rhythms of Manipur, Koireng Tribe Dance, and Thang-Ta were presented, captivating the audience and setting the tone for the festival.
