Gurumayum Kunjalata Devi

🪔 About

Gurumayum Kunjalata Devi is a distinguished Indian classical dancer specializing in the Manipuri style, hailing from Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai, Imphal West District, Manipur State. She holds a B.A. from Manipur University and furthered her professional qualifications with a Visharad from Shree Shree Govindajee Nartanalaya and a Post Graduate Diploma from JNMDA. Kunjalata Devi received extensive training in Manipuri Classical Dance under several esteemed gurus, including the late Gurumayum Ibopishak Sharma, Kshetrimayum Tombi Devi, Lourembam Tombi Devi, and Oja Gopal Singh. She also trained under Khulem Leipaklotpi Devi, Kshetrimayum Thouranisabi Devi, Sarangthem Thambaltombi Devi, and specialized in Manipuri Classical Solo Dance under Guru Ranjit Adhikarimayum. Throughout her career, Gurumayum Kunjalata Devi has been an active performer, participating in numerous State, National, and International festivals under the auspices of institutions like Shree Shree Govindajee Nartanalaya, Panthoibi Natya Mandir, Government Dance College, and the Department of Art & Culture. Her solo performances include participation in the Solo Dance Festival organized by the Manipur State Kala Akademi in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Internationally, she has showcased Manipuri culture at events such as the Silpagram Utsav in Udaipur, Rajasthan (2009), the 10th Surin International Folklore Festival in Thailand (2015), and the 8th ITHC International Tourism conference in Myanmar (2015). She has also taken leading roles in dance dramas, notably in the production of "Langmeidong" directed by Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Yumnam Rajen Singh. As a dedicated educator, Gurumayum Kunjalata Devi teaches Manipuri Classical Dance, particularly Raas, and has mentored students, some of whom have received scholarships from the Manipur State Kala Akademi. Her contributions to the art form were recognized with the Manipur State Kala Akademi Award for Dance in 2020. Beyond performing and teaching, she has served as a jury member for various cultural competitions and as an external examiner for Manipuri Jagoi for the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. She has also authored a book on Manipuri Raas Leela titled "Manipuri Nirtya". Awards & Honours: Manipur State Kala Akademi Award (2020).