Manipur Governor releases book titled “Shri Shri Govindajee Gi Phijol”

Imphal: The Governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey on Wednesday released a book entitled “Shri Shri Govindajee Gi Phijol”, (attires of Shri Shri Govindajee) written by  Pukhrambam James Singh of Manipur University of Culture and Professor Shukhdeba Sharma Hanjabam of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (MP).

Shri Shri Govindajee is worshipped as the supreme deity by Gaudiya Vaishnavas, on various occasions in Manipur.

Addressing the gatherings, the Governor lauded the efforts of the authors in publishing the book in illustrated colours depicting the costumes worn by Shri Shri Govindajee.

Through the book, Uikey was informed that the beautiful attires of Shri Shri Govindajee were the result of gradual cultural evolution by the Maharajas/Kings of Manipur since the reign of Rajshri Bhagyachandra.

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra (1748-1799) was a Meitei monarch who ruled Manipur from 1759-1762 and 1763-1798. He is also known as Ching-Thang Khomba and Jai Singh Maharaja.

She further said that the costumes also reflect Manipur’s rich tradition of textiles and advanced knowledge of dyeing and dyeing with various indigenous plants, herbs, trees, etc.

Most of their colours are a reflection of Manipuri life and its cultural expressions.

These practices need to be told and kept alive for the future generation Governor Anusuiya Uikey mentioned that the book is available in various universities and institutions of Manipur and it is also being studied in dance and music courses in India.

Prof. Naorem Lokendo Singh, V.C. Manipur University, Prof. Paonam Gunindro Singh, V.C. Manipur University of Culture, Prof. Nongmaithem Rajmuhon Singh, V.C. Dhanmanjuri University and  S. Tarun Kumar Sharma, Member,  Shri Govindajee Temple Board also graced the occasion as Guests of Honour and President respectively.

Jointly organized by Shri Shri Govindajee Board, Imphal, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal, and Intellectual Forum of North East (IFNE) — Manipur, the function was held at Shri Shri Govindajee Temple Complex, Imphal.

This cultural expression and attire of Shri Shri Govindajee introduces Manipur to Hinduism, she asserted.