Aungbam Kabui, recipient, Tagore Purushkar of Sangeet Natak Akademi, was chief guest and eminent scholar B Jayantakumar Sharma and Prof. N. Tombi Singh, vice chairman, JNMDA, Manipur were guest of honour and president respectively.
Speaking at the function, B Jayantakumar said this was a journey of self discovery for Manipur. He said such festival should be organised more frequently for the advancement of the cultures of the different communities living in the state.
Prof. N. Tombi Singh also endorsed the view that such festivals are vital in bringing the different communities closer together.
The chief guest, welcoming the new initiative said Manipur does not lack in cultural variety and richness and this must be brought to the fore.
In all the dances of 12 tribes, namely Kabui, Mao, Tangkhul, Moyon, Maring, Kom, Chiru, Chothe, Tarao, Mizo, Aimol and Maram will be showcased.
The festival will end on March 27.
The Kabui ritual Ipan Thaba, Hou laoba and fire making opened the show before an impressive audience of dance and culture lovers.