The inaugural Northeast Waree Leeba Festival got underway in Manipur on Monday, bringing together traditional storytellers and cultural practitioners from across the region to celebrate and safeguard one of the state’s oldest performing art traditions.
Imphal, Manipur: The first edition of the Northeast Waree Leeba Festival commenced at Meijrao Irom in Manipur’s Imphal West district on Monday, marking a significant initiative to preserve and promote the state’s indigenous storytelling tradition.
The five-day cultural event has been organised by the Repertory of Waree Leeba (ROWLM) in collaboration with the Irom Meijrao Women for Cultural Centre. The festival aims to provide a common platform for practitioners of traditional narrative arts while encouraging cultural interaction among the northeastern states.
The opening ceremony began with tributes to three late masters of Waree Leeba, with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh leading the floral homage.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Governor Bhalla described Waree Leeba as an important component of Manipur’s cultural legacy. He said the tradition serves as a medium through which generations have transmitted folklore, historical narratives, beliefs and moral teachings, making it far more than a form of entertainment.
The Governor expressed concern over the gradual decline of the art form and stressed the need for sustained efforts to preserve it for future generations. He said protecting such traditions was essential for maintaining the cultural identity and collective heritage of the state.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Bhalla expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen cultural ties among the northeastern states while creating renewed interest in traditional storytelling practices.
He also praised the organisers for bringing together artists from different parts of the region in an effort to revitalise and showcase the unique narrative art.
Addressing the gathering, ROWLM Director Takhellambam Shyamkanhai Singh said traditional storytelling plays a vital role in preserving folklore, history and community values. He observed that changing social dynamics, modern lifestyles and global influences have impacted the continuity of the art form, underscoring the need for long-term institutional support and preservation measures.
According to the organisers, storytellers and cultural performers from Manipur, Assam and Tripura are participating in the festival, offering opportunities for artistic exchange and collaboration.
As part of the inaugural event, attendees witnessed a Waree Leeba performance based on an episode from the Mahabharata, presented by noted storyteller Shyamkanhai Singh. The Governor later commended the performance for its engaging narration and its effective portrayal of the epic through the traditional storytelling format.
Organisers said the festival seeks to raise awareness about Waree Leeba, encourage wider public engagement and inspire younger generations to become involved in preserving the centuries-old cultural practice.
