Solo dance fest concludes

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 28: With mind-blowing Gouranga Roop and Radha Abhisar performances by a Kabui dancer and a Meitei Pangal  woman, the 8-day Manipuri Solo Dance Festival ‘Okchari Yeningtha’ concluded today.
The festival which kicked off on February 21 under the aegis of the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy was participated by 34 artistes selected from 24 dance groups.
Notably, it was the first Manipuri solo dance festival  organised by JNMDA during the last 67 years.
The audience was enchanted by the Radha Abhisar presented by Sajabam Nargis of New Checkon Dimdailong. The crowd was also equally enthralled by Gouranga Roop performed by Kamei Khangjenmei of Keishamthong Kabui Khul.
Kh Sandhya performed Nritya Sang Paanch Tal while Jaya Khundrakpam presented Basanta Barnan.
The closing function held at the JNMDA auditorium was graced by Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba as chief guest.
Speaking at the occasion, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that all the communities of Manipur are very much talented in the fields of art and culture.
There is no difference of religion or community to a dedicated artiste. It is matter of pride that different communities who have been living together in the State are venturing into Meitei art forms, he added.
He also underscored the importance for all the communities to support and promote each other’s art forms.
The MP said that all efforts are being invested to resolve the row or misunderstanding which has been projecting Manipur University of Culture in the wrong light.
JNMDA Director P Bilash said that the festival was specifically organised to demonstrate oneness among all the communities of Manipur.