Kwatha Pham Kaaba
| Kwatha Pham Kaaba (transl. The Great Kwatha Accession) | |
|---|---|
| ꯀ꯭ꯋꯥꯊꯥ ꯐꯝ ꯀꯥꯕ | |
| Directed by | Khaba Maimom |
| Based on | Kwatha traditions |
| Starring | Meitei people of Kwatha village |
Release date | |
| Country | India |
| Language | Meitei language (Manipuri) |
Kwatha Pham Kaaba[a] (transl. The Great Kwatha Accession), also spelled as Kwatha Pham Kaba, is a 2024 Meitei language documentary, directed by Khaba Maimom, that explores Pham Kaaba, a traditional ceremony held in Kwatha village, Manipur. The event marks the appointment of one of the twelve village headmen and serves as the community’s most important celebration.[2][1][3] It shows the transmission of cultural knowledge to the younger generation. The film underscores the importance of preserving heritage while facing the realities of change.[2][3]
Release
[edit]Kwatha Pham Kaaba premiered on July 27, 2024, at the auditorium hall of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal.[1]
Nomination
[edit]In 2025, Kwatha Pham Kaba has been submitted for the Best Debutant Director award in the Non-Feature category, by its director Khaiba Maibam.[4]
Cultural significance
[edit]The film highlights the village’s strong cultural values, focusing on themes of loyalty, responsibility, and social cohesion. The Pham Kaaba ceremony reflects the deep-rooted traditions and communal spirit of the Meitei people in Kwatha.[2][3]
Representation
[edit]The documentary offers a realistic portrayal of Kwatha’s everyday life. It presents the local people, their food, clothing, customs, and beliefs with visual and emotional authenticity. It also captures the setting and natural environment in detail.[3][2]
Socio-economic context
[edit]The film shows the challenges of living in a remote hilltop area, far from urban infrastructure. Despite economic hardships, the villagers lead content lives. Their sense of community and cultural pride is a central theme.[3][2]
Cross-border influence
[edit]Due to Kwatha’s location near the Myanmar border, the film documents influences from Myanmar in local attire and lifestyle. These elements reflect a blending of cultures in border regions.[3][2]
Tradition and modernity
[edit]The documentary illustrates how traditional values coexist with aspects of globalization. This balance is shown as part of the community’s evolving identity, where heritage is preserved while adapting to modern changes.[3][2]
Sound and atmosphere
[edit]Ambient village sounds play a significant role in creating an immersive experience. These soundscapes contribute to a deeper understanding of daily life and the natural environment of Kwatha.[3][2]
Impact
[edit]The film evokes reflection on the loss of communal bonds in modern, fast-paced societies. It invites viewers to consider the importance of community, tradition, and cultural continuity.[3][2]
See also
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- Meitei festivals
- Kwatha Festival
- Kwatha Khunou (Kwatha Khunnou)
- Konthong Lairembi
- Burmese–Meitei relations
- Meitei people in Myanmar
- Lai Haraoba in Myanmar
References
[edit]- ^ written in native Meitei Mayek script as ꯀ꯭ꯋꯥꯊꯥ ꯐꯝ ꯀꯥꯕ.
- ^ a b c "Kwatha Pham Kaaba to premiere on July 27 : 26th jul24 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Kwatha Pham Kaaba Review By Archana Hijam". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i BISHWAJIT, ARIBAM (2024-08-31). "Director's Insight: How Kwatha Pham Kaaba Highlights Lessons of Love, Unity, and Empathy for Manipur » Imphal Review of Arts and Politics". imphalreviews.in. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "Manipur: MSFDS announces16th state film award 2025". NORTHEAST NOW. Retrieved 2025-06-17.