The 52nd All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2025-26 organised by Manipur State Kala Akademi will begin in Imphal on May 26.
Imphal, May 18: The Manipur State Kala Akademi has announced the schedule for the 52nd All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival, 2025–2026, with performances set to begin from May 27 in Imphal.
According to the official programme released by the Akademi, the inaugural function of the annual theatre festival will be held on May 26 at 3 pm.
The festival has been divided into female and male group performances. Female group productions will begin from May 27 and continue till June 4, while male group performances are scheduled from June 5 to June 17.
The female group category will stage two performances on most days from 12:30 pm onwards. The opening day on May 27 will feature “Majaeebema Thoibi” by The Imphal Theatre as the first show, followed by “Eekhenglakta Pirangi Minok” presented by Women Dance and Dramatic Union.
Other plays listed in the female category include “Pidonu,” “Khuman Chakha Mairenba,” “Luwang Ee,” “Lairembi Ahum,” “Parashurama,” “Eenga gee Purnima,” “Takhel Ngamba,” “Pirang Chaba Nongjabi,” “Nganu Leima,” “Herachandra,” “Thoibi Loikaba,” and “Langmai Ningol Petanga.”
Male group performances will begin on June 5 with Poklenpokpa Artiste Association presenting “Nongthang.” The category will continue with plays such as “Matamgi Lairembi,” “Tharoi Yonbigee Macha,” “Kanan Kabigani,” “Longkhonbi,” “Driver Day,” “Mangphadraba Eeral,” “Ngaina Ngaina,” “Ningtambei Mahao,” “Eisu Ngamgani,” “Thokpa Ngamdaba Kishi,” “Shaklon Puba Guru,” and “Meragi Meingal.”
Shumang Leela, a traditional courtyard theatre form of Manipur, remains one of the most popular cultural art forms in the state, drawing large audiences every year through social, historical and contemporary narratives.
The annual festival is considered an important platform for theatre artistes and cultural organisations across Manipur.
