Imphal: A dying art form in Manipur is being resuscitated. The Centre has funded a local artiste to organise a 15-day workshop to revive Manoharsai and more funds for future projects are in the pipeline.

The workshop, organised by an All India Radio (AIR)-approved singer and a student of Manoharsai, Salam Panchashini Devi, concluded on Sunday evening with the performance of Manoharsai on Gouranga Bhabi at Nambol in Imphal West district. Two groups, one comprising only men and the other only women artistes, performed.

Manipuri Manoharsai originated from the Bengal kirtan and can be traced back to the time of Maharaja Chankirti Singh (1850-1886), according to Manoharsai gurus.

Manoharsai, a devotional song very popular in olden times, was performed during rituals like Shasthi puja, shradh, weddings and anniversaries. During Holi, Manoharsai groups were often invited to perform.

"Manoharsai is dying because of lack of seriousness among the artistes. Nowadays, artistes only consider money and they are not serious enough to learn the art form. We should try to revive it," guru Kulachandra Singh said.

The gurus said kirtan is also losing ground in Bengal.

Manoharsai is similar to Naga sankirtan. Both art forms are based on Hindustani classical vocal, but Manipuri folk songs heavily influenced the art forms. The dresses of the artistes, however, are different.

The performances exhibit religious devotion and narrate many stories of Krishna and Radha. Both are practised primarily by Vaishnav Manipuri population, not only in Manipur but also those settled in Tripura and Assam.

During the workshop, experts discussed the art form, the cause of its decline and ways to revive or inject fresh blood into it.

Many said the gaining popularity of modern Manipuri light devotional song in rituals like wedding and shradh is also one of the reasons for the erosion in popularity of Manoharsai.

"I love the art form very much and I am pained at its declining popularity. So, I want to revive it. I need support from gurus and experts to achieve my goal," Panchashini said.

Sougaijam Thanil Singh, member of a board of the ministry of culture that selects groups or individuals for funding projects, hailed Panchashini's efforts and promised her more funds.