The fourth Sankirtana Day was recently celebrated at the Chandrakirti Auditorium in Imphal, reinforcing the cultural significance of Sankirtana, a ritualistic devotional art form intrinsic to Manipuri Vaishnavite tradition.

About Sankirtana

• Sankirtana in Manipur is a unique combination of singing, drumming and dance, performed primarily to express devotion to Lord Krishna. 
• It is not merely an art form but a sacred ritual observed during key life-cycle ceremonies—from birth rituals to funerals.
• Kirtana singing is believed to have reached Manipur in the 15th century, during the reign of King Kiyamba of Bengal (1467–1508) which later evolved into a devotional tradition rooted in Manipur’s Vaishnavite community.
• As per tradition, the very first kirtana in the region was performed at a small Vishnu temple in the village of Vishnupur.
• Sankirtana refers to a devotional set of artistic practices performed by Vaishnavite communities of the Manipur valley. 
• It forms an important part of religious festivals and ceremonies held during different stages of life.
• In Sankirtana traditions, performances take place mainly inside or around temples, where singers and dancers narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna through rhythmic singing and graceful movements.
• A typical performance involves two drummers and around ten singer-dancers.
• The main musical instruments used in Sankirtana are traditional drums and cymbals.
• This distinctive cultural expression was recognised globally when UNESCO inscribed Sankirtana of Manipur on its Representative List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2013. 

This inscription acknowledges its ritual value, community participation, musical richness and spiritual depth.

Why Sankirtana is Unique

• Performed inside mandapas (temple courtyards or ceremonial halls)
• Drums used include the Pung, a traditional Manipuri percussion instrument
• Performed exclusively by male artists in ritual context
• Strong association with the Vaishnavite revival of 18th century Manipur
  

This form is distinct from other regional Sankirtan traditions of India due to its codified rhythmic patterns, strict ritual format and social role.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. The Sankirtana tradition of Manipur, included in UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List, primarily refers to—
Devotional performance involving music, drumming and dance used during rituals dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Statement-Based MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Manipuri Sankirtana:

1. It was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List in the year 2013.
   
2. It is a devotional performance integrating singing, drumming, and dance.
   
3. It is performed only during temple festivals and never at life-cycle ceremonies.
   

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)
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