IMPHAL, Oct 21: The Manipur government has put forward a proposal to UNESCO to have the traditional Lai Haraoba festival recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This annual festival, celebrated by the Meitei community, features ritual dances and musical theatre honoring the forest deities known as Umang Lais.
M. Joy Singh, IAS Commissioner for Art and Culture in Manipur, stated that the Department of Art and Culture, in conjunction with the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi, submitted the proposal for Lai Haraoba’s inscription on the UNESCO Representative List on October 14, 2024.
This initiative follows the successful inclusion of ‘Nat Sankirtan,’ a traditional Meitei performing art form, on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
The phrase “Lai Haraoba” means “merry-making of the gods” and embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Meitei community in Manipur, reflecting their spiritual and natural connections. The government’s effort to gain UNESCO recognition aims to preserve and promote this vibrant festival for future generations.
