Pung Drumming as Cultural Heritage: Aesthetic Values, Performance Practices, and Community Identity in Manipur

Abstract

Manipuri society. As an essential element of religious rituals, dance, and social gatherings, Pung drumming serves as a bridge between spiritual devotion, artistic expression, and social cohesion. The research highlights the drum’s central role in community events such as weddings, funerals, and festivals, where it communicates cultural narratives and emotions through its rhythmic patterns. Despite its cultural importance, the study identifies several challenges threatening the survival of Pung drumming, including declining interest among younger generations, commercialization of traditional arts, and limited formal training opportunities. To address these issues, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating Pung drumming into formal education, promoting digital documentation, and providing financial support for artists. Additionally, the study reveals a generational divide in the perception of Pung drumming, with older practitioners viewing it as a spiritual and cultural obligation, while younger generations often regard it as an optional art form. The findings suggest that culturally responsive educational approaches are essential to making Pung drumming relevant to contemporary youth and ensuring its sustainability. The study calls for collaborative efforts involving practitioners, educators, and policymakers to preserve and promote this important cultural tradition for future generations.