Pena (musical instrument)

The pena is a single-stringed instrument originating from Manipur, India. It is a plucked string instrument and is considered one of the oldest musical instruments of the state. The pena plays a central role in Manipuri culture, particularly in the Lai Haraoba festival, where it accompanies traditional dances and songs.

The instrument typically consists of a hollow resonating chamber, often made from a gourd or wood, and a long bamboo neck. A single string, traditionally made from horsehair but sometimes from metal in modern instruments, is stretched along the neck and attached to the resonating chamber. The musician plucks the string with one hand while using the other hand to press on the string at various points along the neck to change the pitch, similar to a guitar or violin.

The pena is deeply connected to the rituals and traditions of Manipur and is more than just a musical instrument; it represents a cultural identity and heritage. The instrument's music is often narrative, telling stories of gods, goddesses, and ancestral heroes. Preservation and promotion of the pena are important efforts within the Manipuri community to safeguard their cultural heritage. The players of the Pena are referred to as Pena Khongbas.