Nine young artistes from Manipur, Assam, and Tripura were honoured with the National Youth Cultural Award 2026 at the 2nd National Youth Cultural Festival held at the Palace Auditorium, Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal, on February 11.
The awardees include Mangka Mayanglamba (Folk Singer, Manipur), Benita Laishram (Folk Performer, Manipur), Sonia Samjetsabam (Film Actor, Manipur), Asha Singha (Manipuri Dance, Tripura), Jaya Khundrakpam (Classical Manipuri Dance, Manipur), Th. Sanjana Singha (Folk Dance, Assam), Songthu James Koireng (Theatre, Manipur), Mutum Herojit (Martial Arts, Manipur), and Loitongbam Barashyam (Public Performance).
Renowned theatre and film artiste R.K. Hemabati Devi received the “Thangjam Birachandra and Thangjam Ongbi Maipakpi Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award 2026,” which includes a cash prize of Rs. 20,000, a shawl, citation, memento, and traditional drum.
The festival featured folk, classical, theatre, folk fusion, martial arts, and other traditional performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and vibrant talent of the youth in the region.
Nine youth artists from Manipur, Assam, Tripura win National Cultural Awards 2026
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