Mrina - flute of Zeliang Naga crafted in Kisama

Morung Express News

Peren district demonstrated craft and playing of Mrina at the Crafscape (Meet Naga artisans at work) at the Hornbill Festival, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

The Mrina or flute of the Zeliang Naga is crafted from a special reed like bamboo with six openings by which the player's fingers plug the holes to achieve the desired sound when played. There are two types of Mrina-one that is blown from the edge of the flute and the other from an opening in the side.

Mrina is played by the men without restrictions on women to play it.

In the past, young boys of the Morung (male dormitory) would play the flute in the evenings after a hard day's work and after visiting the girls in the female dormitory.

It was a means of social communication and played during social gatherings and functions.

The repertoire of music played on the Mrina are patriotic or of romance.