In Manipur, as far as cultural programmes and professional musicians are concerned, Oja Lakhpati is a household name. Though I am not sure, 'Lakhpati' in his name might be a title rather than a surname. However, outside Manipur he is also very popular with Manipuri communities. Most of times in a year, Oja Lakhpati and his entourage remain busy performing Manipuri Sankirton eshei in Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh where Manipuris can be found in large numbers. I have heard he charges in the range of 50,000- 100,000 rupees for a single performance. ( Is this why his name is 'Lakhpati' ? ). His team normally consists of all-male and they are 10-15 in numbers.
Apart from all the above trivia, Oja Lakhpati and his team is undoubtedly a great performer. Unless you have not personally been present in his programs, you may not believe. At least 4 pairs of drummers ( Pung in Manipuri or Mridangam ), conch shells, 10-15 pairs of Kortals and Dunduvis....the atmosphere instantly changes to devotional fervour.
He was recently in Kamalpur ( Halahali ) in Tripura. All religious-minded Manipuris and lover of traditional Manipuri music rushed there from all corners of Tripura to watch him perform in person.
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