Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla graced the five-day 1st North East Waree Leeba Festival 2026 held on Monday at Irom Meijrao Mamang Makha Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West.
Organised by the Repertory of Waree Leeba, Manipur (ROWLM) in collaboration with the Irom Meijrao Women for Cultural Centre, this first-of-its-kind festival is funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India under the Cultural Function and Production Grant (CFPG) scheme.
Waree Leeba is a unique traditional narrative art form of Manipur that reflects the rich heritage, wisdom and social values. This meaningful oral communication tradition is not merely storytelling; it has its own style, rhythm and theatrics creating a unique cultural expression prevalent among the Meiteis of the state.
According to Takhellambam Shyamkanhai Singh, Festival Director of the 1st North East Waree Leeba, the tradition of Waree Leeba originated in Manipur during the reign of King Khagemba (1597 to 1652 AD). However, over time, this storytelling art form is slowly dying, therefore, such a festival will help revive and promote the traditional narrative art form, especially among the youth, he said.
Singh also said that the festival featured Waree Leeba gurus and artists from Manipur, Assam, and Tripura, highlighting the art form’s significance. The cultural gathering of artists from across the Northeast region aims to share their traditional knowledge, exchange artists’ experiences, and strengthen cultural bonds within the region.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Festival, Manipur Governor Bhalla congratulated the Repertory of Waree Leeba, Manipur, for bringing together artists from across the North Eastern region to celebrate and preserve this unique storytelling tradition. He observed that Waree Leeba is not merely a form of entertainment but a living tradition through which the knowledge, beliefs, myths and legends of ancestors are passed down from one generation to another. Emphasising the enduring relevance of traditional storytelling, he said that Waree Leeba entertains, educates and conveys values that remain relevant to society. He added that preserving this tradition is essential for safeguarding an important part of Manipur’s cultural identity and memory. The Governor expressed confidence that the festival would mark the beginning of sustained efforts to promote this unique storytelling tradition and strengthen cultural cooperation across the North Eastern region.
During the function, the Governor listened to a Waree Leeba
presentation of an episode from the Mahabharata, narrated by renowned artist Shyamkanhai Singh. Appreciating the artist’s storytelling skills, expressive narration and traditional presentation, the Governor thanked him for bringing the epic to life through the art of Waree Leeba.
Governor Bhalla and other dignitaries also paid floral tribute to the portraits of three departed Waree Leeba gurus and felicitated gurus from Assam and Tripura during the event. Moreover, a souvenir of the festival ‘Ningshing Chephong’, also released during the event.
Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, gurus and artists attended the programme.
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