The five-day First North East Waree Leeba Festival 2026 opened at Irom Meijrao Mamang Community Hall in Imphal West district, Manipur. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the festival; accounts differ on whether the ceremony took place on 2 or 3 November.
Festival programme and participants
The Repertory of Waree Leeba, Khurai, also known as the Repertory of Waree Leeba, Manipur, organised the event with the Irom Meijrao Women for Cultural Centre. The Ministry of Culture funded it under the Cultural Function and Production Grant scheme. The festival aims to preserve and promote Waree Leeba and strengthen cultural cooperation across the North East. Ten troupes are participating: five from Manipur and five from other states, including Assam and Tripura. Activities include tributes to departed gurus, recognition of active practitioners and performances. Artist Shyamkanhai Singh narrated an episode from the Mahabharata. Art and Culture Minister Kh Loken Singh attended the inaugural programme.
Closing ceremony
The festival is scheduled to conclude on 6 November. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, JNMDA Director Pukhrambam Bilash Singh and MSKA awardee Loitongbam Brajamohon Singh are expected to attend the closing ceremony.
Important Facts for Exams
- Narration technique: A Waree Leeba performance centres on a narrator’s spoken delivery; expressive voice and hand gestures help distinguish characters and sustain audience attention.
- Grant mechanism: The Cultural Function and Production Grant provides project-based assistance to eligible cultural organisations for approved programmes, rather than a standing institutional subsidy.
