Lamjingba Artist Association artistes getting ready for their Shumang Leela performance during the Yaoshang/ Holi Festival 2014, Imphal - Manipur.
The art form derives its name from 'Shumang', which means 'courtyard' in local parlance
Shumang Leela's origin goes back to the reign of King Chandrakriti in the nineteenth century. Today, the theatre form is a distinct facet of the state's identity.
Yaoshang is a festival celebrated in spring season starting from the full moon day of Lamda(March) for six whole days by the Manipuris living in the world. It is the Manipuri version of the famous Hindu festival, Holi. Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance is performed during this festival. Like holi, the Hindus of Manipur play with colours during this festival.
Source: wikipedia
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