The Narrative Art Festival, a distinctive cultural initiative dedicated to nurturing creativity and promoting storytelling as a medium of learning and expression, was inaugurated today. Observed annually since 2007, the festival continues to serve as an important platform for fostering cultural literacy and visual learning among students, teachers, and art enthusiasts across Manipur.
Speaking at the inaugural function, a prominent educator said that the workshop is part of the Council’s continuing educational programme, aimed at strengthening communication skills and creative expression through art. He remarked that “culture is not merely a performance but a process of connection — a medium to see, learn, and feel.”
He further highlighted the role of Shumang Leela, Manipur’s traditional courtyard theatre, as a vital educational space where moral values, social themes, and community experiences are expressed beyond the confines of textbooks. Through its dialogues, emotions, and music, Shumang Leela continues to bridge tradition and artistic innovation, keeping alive Manipur’s rich storytelling heritage.
This year’s edition of the Narrative Art Festival focuses on integrating traditional art forms with contemporary storytelling and Leela performances, creating new avenues for creative interpretation. The organizers expressed optimism that the event will deepen public appreciation of Manipur’s narrative traditions while encouraging the younger generation to preserve and adapt them in the modern context.