Icon of Manipuri classical dance, Padma Shri awardee Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi, passes away
Summary of the News
Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi, an iconic figure in Manipuri classical dance, passed away on June 29, 2025. Her lifelong dedication to performing, teaching, and preserving the tradition earned her national recognition and a cherished place in Manipur’s cultural history. Tributes poured in from dignitaries, including former CM N. Biren Singh, mourning the loss of a “priceless jewel” of the state’s artistic legacy
Introduction: Saying Goodbye to a Legend
Have you ever felt small standing at the base of a giant oak? That’s what it’s like saying goodbye to Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi—a towering figure in Manipuri classical dance. More than a performer, she was a cultural guardian. Her passing on June 29, 2025, felt like the closing of a grand, centuries‑old manuscript. Let’s take a heartfelt journey through her life, her legacy, and what we—all lovers of culture—stand to lose.
Early Roots: From Imphal to the World
Born in Manipur—steeped in tradition and beauty—Suryamukhi Devi took to dance like a fish to water. Some say she started almost as soon as she could walk. Under the guidance of esteemed gurus and within Imphal’s vibrant cultural scene, she blossomed. It wasn’t just about steps; it was about embracing the soul of Manipuri classical dance—its delicate gestures, its spiritual pulse.
Journey to Excellence: Awards and Acknowledgments
Her devotion paid off. Over decades, she curated performances that stirred hearts across India and abroad. In early 2025, she received the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, which she humbly called “a matter of luck”. She also earned the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, reinforcing her role as both performer and pedagogue.
Mastering Manipuri: What Set Her Apart?
Manipuri dance isn’t just another classical form. It’s a spiritual expression—brimming with grace, serenity, and storytelling. Suryamukhi Devi lived and breathed it. Her performances weren’t just shows; they were living, breathing epics—retelling tales of love, devotion, and divine play (Ras-Leela). Whether leading the Raas or delicate Tandava, she brought an aura that transcended the stage.
The Classroom: Her Gift to Generations
She taught students across classrooms and borders. Unlike celeb dancers who dazzle audiences, she taught them to weave their own magic. Her choreography was immersive, her mentorship, patient and wise. Each student learned technique, tradition, and humility. In her, culture found continuity.
Her Style: Grace Meets Depth
Her dancing style? Think of a lotus unfurling—elegant petals opening one by one. Her gestures were precise; her expressions spoke volumes. She balanced discipline with poetic finesse. When she danced, time paused—a rare gift. In each beat, she invited viewers into Manipuri’s ethereal cosmos.
Building Bridges: Cultural Diplomacy
Suryamukhi Devi didn’t just perform for local audiences. She carried Manipuri’s legacy onto international stages—festivals in Asia, Europe, North America. Each performance was an invitation: “Come, feel our stories, our rituals, our spirit.” In doing so, she became a cultural diplomat—breaking stereotypes and fostering dialogue.
A Celebration in Sorrow: Tributes and Reflections
After her passing, tributes surged. Former CM N. Biren Singh called her “a priceless jewel.” Social media buzzed with memories: timestamps of performances, photos of her teaching, expressions of collective grief. Poets, scholars, artists—all felt the void.
The Cultural Void: What Lies Ahead?
With her gone, Manipuri dance stands at a crossroads. The foundations she laid must be nurtured. Institutions must recommit. Students must carry her torch. And the world must continue watching—not as tourist spectators, but as enlightened seekers of culture.
Lessons for Us All: Why Her Story Matters
Her journey offers lessons far beyond dance:
- Perseverance: Decades of dedication, not overnight fame.
- Humility: A Padma Shri honoree who called it “luck.”
- Mentorship: Believing in legacies over legacies.
- Cultural pride: Rooted in tradition, yet adaptable.
A Closer View of Manipuri Dance
If you’re new to it, imagine choreography woven from prayer. Each mudra, every expression, reveals mythology and emotion. It’s not fast; it’s profound. And in Suryamukhi Devi’s hands, it felt divine.
Comparisons & Contemporaries
She belonged to the pantheon of Manipuri greats—like Haobam Ongbi Ngangbi Devi and Kshetrimayum Ongbi Thouranisabi DeviTogether, they revitalized the dance. Suryamukhi Devi’s distinct gift? She blended scholarly rigor with emotive warmth—a rare alchemy.
Preserving the Legacy: Institutional Needs
Her passing highlights a need for:
- Digital archives of her performances and lessons.
- Lifetime achievement festivals.
- Scholarships in her name.
- Teachers’ workshops for her approach.
- National-level collaborations spotlighting Manipuri dance.
Call to Readers: A Personal Invitation
If you’ve never seen Manipuri dance, start with her recordings—look up Raas performances. Attend workshops or classical dance festivals. Buy books, donate, support cultural institutions, or just tell someone about her. Small steps help keep a legacy living.
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Farewell
When Suryamukhi Devi passed, we lost a person, but not a culture. Her life echoes in every performance, every student’s heartbeat, every stage lit up with Manipuri music. Yes, an era closed. But if we choose, her legacy can guide future generations—just like a lantern guiding wanderers through twilight.
FAQs
1. What made Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi so revered?
Her deep mastery of classical technique, her soulful storytelling, her teaching legacy, and national recognition like the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2. How did she describe receiving the Padma Shri?
She humbly described it as “a matter of luck,” reflecting humility despite her lifelong dedication
3. Who were her contemporaries in Manipuri dance?
Icons like Haobam Ongbi Ngangbi Devi and Kshetrimayum Ongbi Thouranisabi Devi, who also shaped the modern Manipuri dance landscape
4. How can I learn more about Manipuri dance today?
Watch her documented performances online, enroll in dance institutes or workshops, read about the tradition’s history and cultural context, and attend live festivals.
5. What must we do to preserve her legacy?
Support cultural archives, festivals, initiatives dedicated to teaching Manipuri dance, and encourage institutional backing through scholarships, documentation, and community engagement.
