Pena Performance: Assessing The Ritual Among Meitei Of Manipur

Abstract

Pena is one of the most splendid musical folk instruments of Manipur. Pena, an instrument in the category Chordophones, a bowed-mono string instrument, Pena has its uses in manifold occasions. It is used in ritualistic offerings or festivals (such as Lai Haraoba), wedding ceremonies, giving royal service to the Meitei King and various other important occasions of the people of Manipur. It is a Manipuri folk instrument which has been in use since ancient days. Besides, Pena Seishak has its significance in death rituals as it is also intended to purify the hearts and minds of the family of the deceased and community as whole at such times of grief. This research paper highlights some uses of Pena on multiple occasions in Meitei culture and especially describes in death rituals, how Pena Seishak (Pena song or singing with Pena) forms a major part in performing the rituals as a form of offering or prayer to the almighty for a peaceful journey of the deceased to its heavenly abode. Methodology of the research is descriptive and observation through field visit, interviews with musicians performing in rituals and the folks those who attended the rituals. Analysis of ancient text, literature, books and other references are also used to formulate the research paper. Pena is a typical folk instrument that has ritual and religious significance among the Meitei of Manipur and being used as one of the essential music instruments in rituals for the cultural harmony, auspiciousness and mental well-being.