Pena Manipur indegeneous instrument

The Pena, also known as Bana, Bena or Tingtelia, is a mono string instrument falling in the lute category,^[1] similar to some of the traditional Indian stringed musical instruments such as Ravanahatha, Ubo or the Kenda, found in various parts of the country.^[2] It is the traditional music instrument of the Meiteicommunity^[1] of Manipur, India and some parts of Bangladesh and is played either solo or in group, in folk music or as the accompanying musical instrument for Lai Haraobafestivals.^[1][3] Pena playing is becoming a dying art as only 145 active Pena players are reported in Manipur.^[2][4] The Center for Research on Traditional and Indigenous Art (Laihui), an organization headed by renowned Pena player, Khangembam Mangi Singh, has mandated vision to revive Pena music.^[3]