Entertainment
INTRODUCTION TO ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment is one of the most important aspects of human civilization. Various forms of art and culture emerged not only as a part of entertainment of particular community but also as a part of the celebration and sustenance of the ways of life, its origin and mode of living. All form of human community celebrates their myth of origin and in Manipur Lai Haraoba which is presumed as entertainment is one of these forms of celebration. All form of entertainment carries the spirit of the community.
In Manipur one of the earliest forms of entertainment is known as Thaoumei Makhong Leela which is now popularly known as Shumang Leela or play in the courtyard. It is believed that drama in Manipur originated as legacy of plays of legend in Manipur including Tangkhul Nurabi which is a very significant part of Lai Haraoba. This reflects that there is a close relationship between the Meiteis and various tribes in terms of art and culture.
Subsequently all these traditional play helped in the evolution of drama in Manipur along with the influence from outside. Gradually Manipuri cinema, drama and popular songs emerged with the internal as well as external influence. We have folk songs known as Khunung Eshei and Khullang Eshei. Then we have modern Manipuri songs and popular songs which are important part of Manipur film industries. Music based on rock is the current trend in Manipur.
There are special forms of story-telling related to legends of Manipur war in Khongjom and related to the legends in Moirang Thoibi known respectively as Khongjom Parva and Moirang Parva. There is a tradition of storytelling known as Wari leeba based on Meitei puya and Hindu Scriptures and sacred text of Hindu.
Entertainment reflects the larger aspects of art, culture and religion of the community. As Manipur is a multi-ethnic society, various indigenous cultures and arts generate various forms of entertainment.