Yumnam Jatra Singh: The Eternal Maestro of Nata Sankirtana

In the rich and diverse tapestry of India’s cultural heritage, few art forms are as spiritually profound and historically resonant as Nata Sankirtana — a sacred Vaishnavite tradition deeply rooted in the rhythms and rituals of Manipur. Among the most revered practitioners of this art was Yumnam Jatra Singh, whose unwavering dedication to Nata Sankirtana left an indelible mark on the cultural consciousness of India. In recognition of his lifetime of devotion, Singh was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri in 2026, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, reaffirming his enduring legacy in the field of traditional performing arts.

Early Life and Introduction to Nata Sankirtana

Born on 10 September 1923 in Tendongyan Awang Leikai in the Imphal West district of Manipur, Yumnam Jatra Singh was the son of late Y. Tomba Singh and *Y. (O) Thaballei Devi. From an early age, he displayed a compelling affinity for devotional music and performance, setting the stage for a lifelong journey into one of Manipur’s most sacred artistic traditions.

The state of Manipur, nestled in India’s northeast, boasts a unique cultural identity characterized by a blend of indigenous and Vaishnavite influences. Among its diverse artistic practices, Nata Sankirtana holds a special place as both a spiritual expression and a communal celebration of devotion. It integrates singing, rhythmic drumming (pung), cymbals (kartal), and conch shell (moibung) to narrate the divine exploits of Lord Krishna and Radha — transforming performance into an act of worship and a bridge between the earthly and the divine.

Mastering the Art: Training and Development

Singh’s quest for mastery led him to train under several eminent gurus who shaped his understanding and execution of Nata Sankirtana. With remarkable perseverance, he formalised 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 later extended beyond learning; Singh became a visiting guru, mentoring generations of performers. His teaching career spanned decades, and his guidance helped sustain a lineage of artists who continued to celebrate and transmit the spiritual depth of Nata Sankirtana to new audiences.

Performance and Cultural Contribution

Yumnam Jatra Singh’s artistic journey was not confined to local stages. Beginning as early as 1949, he took Nata Sankirtana across India, exposing audiences to its devotional essence and intricate rhythmic interplay. Singh was also recognised as an approved artist by All India Radio, Imphal, further amplifying the reach of Manipuri sacred music beyond geographical boundaries.

Under Singh’s baton or voice, each performance was not merely an aesthetic presentation but a deeply spiritual experience — a conduit of devotion that resonated with practitioners and spectators alike. His commitment helped fortify Nata Sankirtana’s relevance in a rapidly modernising world, while also inspiring cultural pride among Manipuri communities.

Honours and Recognition

Throughout his life, Singh’s contributions were acknowledged through multiple prestigious awards. Among these, the Manipur State Kala Akademi Award honoured his artistic excellence at the state level, while the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recognised his profound impact on India’s performing arts at the national level.

The crowning recognition came in January 2026, when the Government of India announced that Singh would be posthumously conferred the Padma Shri — the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award. This accolade was bestowed in acknowledgment of Singh’s lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Nata Sankirtana, a tradition recognised by UNESCO in 2013 as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.

Legacy and Final Years

Singh’s life spanned more than a century. He continued to serve as a mentor and cultural beacon well into his later years. His passing on 11 October 2025 at the age of 102 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire devotees, artists, and cultural enthusiasts.

Despite the loss, his teachings and interpretations endure. Through his students and recordings, the spiritual cadence of Nata Sankirtana still reverberates in cultural gatherings, academic circles, and devotional spaces. The Padma Shri honour stands as a testament to Singh’s transformative influence — not only as an artist but as a custodian of a sacred tradition deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Manipur and India at large.

Enduring Cultural Significance

Yumnam Jatra Singh’s life underscores the significance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in an age of globalisation. His work exemplifies how traditional art forms — rooted in ritual, rhythm, and reverence — can serve as pillars of identity and continuity for communities and nations alike.

Today, Nata Sankirtana remains an emblem of Manipur’s spiritual heritage, one that owes much of its resilience to Singh’s lifelong devotion. By nurturing both craft and conscience, he reinforced the timeless message that art is more than performance — it is a living expression of cultural memory and collective soul.