The closing ceremony of the 31st Guru Kirtana Seva 2024, a festival celebrating the traditional Nata Sankirtana, took place on Thursday at the Gulapi Nata Sankirtana Academy in Kwakeithel Nganapi Thong Mapal, Imphal (Manipur).
The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Manipur and paid homage to the revered gurus of the performing arts.
Speaking at the event, Sunanda Thokchom, secretary of the Manipur State Kala Academy, emphasized the pivotal role of gurus in shaping the understanding of the divine, stating, “The ‘guru’ is more superior than God. Without gurus, we may not even grasp the concept of God.”
She further remarked that for artists, their gurus are akin to gods, guiding them in mastering Manipur’s unique art forms, which have gained national recognition.
Sunanda also underscored the importance of promoting Manipur’s arts and culture, saying, “It is our duty to safeguard our identity by promoting our artistic heritage to the best of our abilities.”
The event was graced by Sangeet Natak Awardees Arambam Tombinou Devi and Laipubam Bino Devi, who served as the president and guest of honor, respectively.
A highlight of the closing ceremony was a special performance of the female version of Nata Sankirtana, a distinctive style that showcases the elegance and spiritual depth of Manipuri traditional music, performed by the academy’s artists.
The 31st edition of the Guru Kirtana Seva once again demonstrated the significance of preserving and celebrating the cultural legacy of Manipur through the teachings of the gurus.
