Manipur Governor inaugurates first North East Waree Leeba Festival 2026
The five-day event in Imphal West aims to promote and preserve the traditional Meitei solo narrative storytelling art form.
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 being 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 presented honours to gurus from Tripura and Assam. Art and Culture Minister Kh Loken Singh, various artists, and gurus were also in attendance.
Addressing the session, Governor Bhalla said that Waree Leeba is a living tradition used to pass down ancestral myths, legends, beliefs, and knowledge. He noted that the art form entertains and educates while conveying values that remain relevant to society.
The Governor expressed his hope that the festival would initiate lasting efforts to promote the storytelling tradition and improve cultural cooperation across the North Eastern region. He also attended a performance of a Mahabharata episode narrated by artist Shyamkanhai Singh.
Waree Leeba is a solo narrative art 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.
The art form has seen a decline in public patronage due to urbanisation, modern lifestyles, and the rise of digital entertainment. Organisations such as the Repertory of Waree Leeba, Manipur (ROWLM) are currently working to sustain and document the craft.