Shumang Leela, the traditional form of theatre celebrated in All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 in Imphal.

August 30, 2022

The 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 kicked off at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound in Imphal. Manipur Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh attended the inaugural function.
During the festival, the Governor also distributed medals to the winners of 49th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2020-21.
Manipur Governor La Ganesan in his inaugural speech said that Shumang Leela has become a powerful medium for mass education besides giving entertainment and relaxation
La. Ganesan said that the present day Shumang Leelas have been trying to focus on the issues of moral values, unity and integrity. It has also been trying to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and friendship among various communities in the State.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh while speaking at the function said that the government is committed to extend support to the artists in the State.
He said, Chief Minister’s Pension Scheme for Artists has been implemented and separate budgetary allocation has been made for organizing Shumang Leela Festival. He said, under AYUSHMAN BHARAT and CMHT all artists will be covered.

About Shumang Leela

It is also called Shumang Kumhei.
It is a traditional form of theatre in
‘Shumang’ means courtyard and ‘Leela’ means play.
The theatre is arranged in the form of open air from four sides.
All the characters, including women, are played by male actors.
It was officially recorded for the first time in the state with the Harischandra leela in 1918.
However, the form is much older and is believed to have existed during the reign of King Chandrakriti (1851-1886).
In 2017, Sougrakpam Hemanta was conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of his contribution in Shumang Leela, thus became the first person to receive the award for this art form.
The theatre form remains a popular medium to spread awareness on social issues.