Manipur Governor inaugurates first North East Waree Leeba Festival 2026
The five-day event in Imphal West aims to promote and preserve the traditional solo storytelling art form of the Meitei community.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the first North East Waree Leeba Festival 2026 at the Irom Meijrao Mamang Community Hall in Imphal West on Tuesday, according to ANI. The five-day festival is organised by the Repertory of Waree Leeba, Khurai, alongside the Irom Meijrao Women for Cultural Centre.
During the opening ceremony, the Governor honoured the memory of three deceased Waree Leeba gurus with floral tributes and recognised gurus from Tripura and Assam. Art and Culture Minister Kh Loken Singh, various artists, and gurus were also present at the function.
Addressing the session, Governor Bhalla said the festival brings artists from the North Eastern region together to celebrate a unique storytelling tradition. He stated that Waree Leeba is a living tradition used to pass down ancestral myths, legends, beliefs, and knowledge to new generations.
The Governor noted that preserving this art is vital for protecting the cultural memory and identity of Manipur. He expressed hope that the festival would encourage long-term efforts to promote the tradition and improve cultural cooperation across the North East.
The event included a Waree Leeba performance of a Mahabharata episode by artist Shyamkanhai Singh. The Governor thanked Singh for his expressive narration and traditional presentation of the epic.
Waree Leeba is a solo narrative art form from the Meitei community that dates back to the reign of King Khagemba between 1597 and 1652 AD. The performance involves a single male artist who portrays all characters without the use of musical instruments.