On 25th February, the village of Andro, East Imphal, held their Foundation Day event, of the Chakpa Andro Panam Ningthou Meihoubiroul Cultural Assn. who are the first approved group aiming to spread the unique culture of Andro to the wider Manipur and beyond. In the long history of Andro, their unique Manipuri culture, song, and dance has been guarded and protected by the village leaders, often taboo to be seen and exposed to outsiders. This was so much so that Andro has become famous for their secrecy of their Lai Haraoba and ritual practices. The Cultural Assn. was formed here in 2011 to help in the greater understanding cultural exchange with the modernizing world of Manipur today. The chief organizer and lecturer, Eche Puthem Memcha stressed how in the larger Meitei culture of Manipur valley many old traditions such as the giant message drums have been lost, and many songs and dances are greatly in danger of falling to the wayside. However in Andro these traditions are still being carried on. So it is the wish of the Cultural Assn. to now help share some of their cultural heritage, where in the past they had restricted such exchange. It was also stressed that this will also help in keeping their traditions alive in this fast changing world.
Chief guests at the function were the “Ipa” Khullakpa of Andro, Chingakham Gandhar Singh, and Ranjit Athikarimayum, Principal of Govt. Dance College Imphal. There were performances of Chakpa Andro dance, song, and traditional children’s folk games.
Pictured: The dance group of Andro performs Leishem Jagoi, dressed in the unique dress of Andro.
Text: Byron Aihara, of Ehool Manipur Music and Films.
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