Y. Jatra Singh

🪔 About

Born on September 10, 1923, in Tendongyan Awang Leikai in the Imphal West district of Manipur, Yumnam Jatra Singh displayed a compelling affinity for devotional music and performance from an early age. He dedicated his life to Nata Sankirtana, a sacred Vaishnavite tradition deeply rooted in Manipur that integrates singing, rhythmic drumming (pung), cymbals (kartal), and conch shell (moibung) to narrate divine exploits. Singh's quest for mastery led him to train under several eminent gurus. He formalized his training by earning diplomas in Eshei (devotional singing) and Cholom (drumming) from the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), a prestigious institution dedicated to the preservation and propagation of classical Manipuri performing arts. His affiliation with JNMDA extended to becoming a visiting guru, where he mentored generations of performers. Beginning as early as 1949, he took Nata Sankirtana across India, exposing audiences to its devotional essence and intricate rhythmic interplay. He was also recognized as an approved artist by All India Radio, Imphal, further amplifying the reach of Manipuri sacred music. In recognition of his lifetime of devotion, Singh was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri in 2026, one of India's highest civilian honors. He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award in 2023, which honors artists aged 75 and above who have made significant contributions to the performing arts. Singh passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 102, marking the end of an era and leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2026), Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award (2023).