Smriti Malhotra

In the mystical land of Manipur, where lush greenery caresses the horizon and the air carries whispers of ancient tales, there exists a melodic treasure that transcends time and space. It is the enchanting Pena, a musical instrument steeped in history and cultural significance, synonymous with the Meitei people and their vibrant heritage. The Pena, believed to be the oldest musical instrument of the Meitei group, is an emblem of artistic prowess and a testament to the resilience of tradition. Its mellifluous melodies resonate through the hills and valleys, echoing the essence of Manipur’s soul. As the strings of the Pena are delicately plucked or gracefully bowed, a reverberating sound emerges, bridging the gap between the earthly realm and the ethereal plane.

Crafted with meticulous care and deep reverence, the Pena is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its main body, affectionately called “Penamasa,” is meticulously fashioned from bamboo, capturing the essence of nature’s finest gifts. Nestled within this bamboo frame, the Pena cradles a halved coconut shell, its resonator and guide to the realm of celestial harmonies. The shell, meticulously prepared, bears the marks of craftsmanship, with four acoustic holes carved to perfection. One hole is covered by dried animal skin, serving as a resonating membrane, while the other remains open, allowing the music to escape into the world.

A wondrous dance unfolds as the Pena player’s skilled hands glide over the fingerboard, coaxing the strings to sing their celestial songs. To control the tension of the string, a bamboo peg is fixed inside a carefully crafted hole, providing stability and harmony. A scroll, adorned with intricate carvings, gracefully extends from the tail of the instrument, paying homage to its lineage and heritage. The bow, an extension of the artist’s soul, is carefully carved from wood, its graceful curve meeting a metal tip that guides the strings with precision and grace. Delicate metal bells, affixed to the bow, shimmer and jingle with each movement, adding rhythmic layers to the composition. Traditionally, the bow hair is made from the tail of a horse, a testament to the intertwining of nature and artistry.

Not many artists are carrying on the tradition of playing the musical instrument, however we have Mangka, a 26-year-old artist from Imphal, carries within her the melodies of a rich musical heritage. Born into a family immersed in music, she was nurtured by the melodic sounds of Manipuri folk music from a young age. Surrounded by musicians, composers, and dancers, she imbibed the essence of her cultural roots.Breaking through gender stereotypes, Mangka embraced the Pena, a traditional Manipuri mono-string instrument traditionally played only by men. Guided by respected Gurus, she honed her craft, delving into the depths of Pena’s ancient melodies. She is one of the few practitioners of Moirang Sai, a storytelling art form, and Basok, an all-female performance art. She is consistently blending tradition with her own unique interpretations. She has received numerous accolades and has received the honour of being the Princess of Manipur Folk Music in the State and had performed at the Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh last year. 

The Pena, a true marvel of craftsmanship, finds its voice not only in the hands of a skilled musician but also in the heart of Manipuri culture. Its melodies weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life, resonating through joyous celebrations and solemn rituals alike. One such celebration that breathes life into the Pena’s strings is the revered Lai Haraoba festival.

Lai Haraoba, a grand spectacle of spiritual significance, serves as a conduit between the mortal realm and the divine. It is during this festival that the Pena’s true power is unleashed, captivating both performers and spectators alike. The Amaiba, the priest, adorned in sacred garments, leads the ritual procession, bearing the weight of ancestral wisdom upon his shoulders. The Amaibi, the priestess, dances with grace and fervour, invoking the spirits of the deities and weaving their stories through intricate movements. And there, in their ethereal embrace, stands the Penakhongba, the Pena player, his fingers gracefully caressing the strings, allowing the instrument to sing the praises of gods, nature, and Mother Earth. The collective energy of the Amaiba, and Penakhongba harmoniously intertwines, creating a mesmerising symphony that transports all who witness it to a realm of spiritual connection and transcendence.

But the Pena, with its rich heritage and transcendent melodies, faces an uncertain fate. In the face of modernity and changing times, fewer individuals have dedicated themselves to mastering this ancient art form. As the echoes of Pena’s timeless melodies grow fainter, the urgency to preserve this musical treasure becomes ever more apparent.

Now, more than ever, is the time for collective action and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Pena. We must honour its legacy and give it the recognition it so rightly deserves. Education and awareness must be nurtured, inspiring the younger generation to embrace the instrument and its cultural significance. Support and resources must be provided to ensure the survival of this art form, allowing it to flourish and evolve in the modern world. Let us create platforms and opportunities for Pena players to showcase their talents, amplifying their voices and melodies for the world to hear.

For the Pena is more than just an instrument; it is a vessel of cultural identity, a bridge between past and present, and a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable creativity. Its melodies carry the weight of centuries, resonating with the souls of generations past and beckoning us to cherish and protect our rich cultural heritage.In the embrace of the Pena’s harmonies, we discover a profound connection to our roots, an invitation to celebrate the diversity and beauty of the human experience. Let us not allow this precious gift to fade into the annals of history. Instead, let us stand united, ensuring that Pena’s timeless melodies continue to enchant our souls, illuminate our spirits, and inspire future generations to embrace the treasures of our cultural tapestry. May the Pena, in all its splendour, endure and thrive, for it is a beacon of our collective legacy, a reminder of our shared humanity, and a symphony of everlasting beauty.