North East Cultural Forum Langol, Ningthou Leikai, organised a workshop on traditional dances, including Leima Jagoi, Mao Jagoi, Chali Jagoi, and Dhol Dholok Cholom under the funding of Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS) of the Ministry of Culture on Saturday in Kakching, Manipur.
Students from Kakching and nearby areas participated in the workshop, showcasing the production at Practising Junior High School (DIET) Kakching.
President of the North East Cultural Forum Langol Ningthou Leikai, Moirangthem Bimol explained that the workshop aimed to educate local youth in cultural dance and music.
He noted that similar workshops are conducted biannually and that training sessions occur every Saturday and Sunday in schools across the Kakching area. A total of 56 students performed the Leima Jagoi, Mao Jagoi, Chali Jagoi, and Dhol Dholok Cholom.
Meanwhile, Youth Development Society Kakching Paji Leikai also organised a workshop on Maibi Jagoi, Laibou Jagoi, Thougal Jagoi, Stick Dance, and Basanta Barnan, under the CFPGS funding. Participants from this workshop also showcased the production at Practising Junior High School (DIET) Kakching.
Training, production on ‘Thougal Jagoi’ launched
The North East Artisan’s Forum (NEAF) on Saturday inaugurated a month-long residential training cum production program focusing on the traditional art form of ‘Thougal Jagoi’
The event, held at the NEAF premises in Soibam Leikai, is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The training programme, which aims to revitalise and preserve this unique cultural dance, will continue until November 4.
‘Thougal Jagoi’ is a traditional Manipuri dance form with deep historical and cultural significance. Over time, however, it has seen a decline in practice and recognition, particularly among younger generations. The purpose of the programme is to provide structured training for aspiring artists, offering them the skills and knowledge necessary to master and promote this nearly forgotten art form.
Secretary of NEAF Kh Panditraj Meitei emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that the training aims to restore the prominence of ‘Thougal Jagoi’ and ensure that this unique expression of Manipuri heritage is passed down to future generations.
“The art form has faded from public consciousness, and it is crucial that we revive it before it disappears entirely,” he said.
During the inaugural event, artists from NEAF performed demonstrations of ‘Thougal Jagoi’ dance.
