Manipuri is one of the six classical dance styles of India and is claimed to be one of the chestiest, modest, softest, and mildest but the foremost meaningful dances of the world. It’s indigenous to Manipur, the northeastern state of India. The Manipur folk dance patterns in Manipur Must have a link with Gandharva’s Culture – which is mythologically believed to excel over all other dance forms.
There shall be no reason against the very fact that the elements of the subdued, slow, rhythmic movements present almost altogether the tribal dances.
Ethnically, the Capitol Hill tribes of Manipur though divided into several clans and sections could also be grouped into two main divisions – Naga and Kuki. These people have distinctive Languages and cultural heritages of their own.
The noted tribal dance in Manipur are Tangkhul Naga Dance, Mao Dance, Mizo Bamboo Dance, Tarao ritual dancing, Kabui ritual dancing , Tangkhul Naga Hunting Dance, Surung Dance and Rengmai Naga Dance etc.
Popular Folk Dance of Manipur
1. Ballet and Drama
Ballet or dance drama is additionally a colorful part of Manipuri Culture. It’s theatre and Jatra that have the honor of being the chief cultural and artistic forms during the past few decades. Maharaj Churachand Singha, faithful Manipuri tradition of patronizing the art forms helped with men and money during his reign. The contemporary Manipuri theatre may be a continuation of the earlier tradition.
Phagi Lila’s, are introduced by comedians drawn from their appearance and mode of enacting. There are dance dramas like Nimai-Sonyas, Sita-Horon, Nouka-Bilash, Savitri-Styaban, Chandrajini, Harishchandra, Nal Domoyonti, Moirang Parva, Ramayana, Kurukshetra, Lanka Kanda, Kamsabadha, etc. which are wonderful and delightful.
2. Udukhol
Krishna’s Valya Lila and Vatsalya Ras are enacted through this dance and devotional music.
3. Basak
Krishna’s Valya Lila and Vatsalya Ras are enacted through this dance and devotional music.
4. Goura Lila
Performed by boys of the age bracket of 8 and 10 years, representing Sri Chaitanya’s Lila like meeting the Keshav Vharati, saving jogai – madhai, Touching scenes of Vishnu Priya Separation etc.
6. Nupi Pala
A sort of Kirtan performed by the female in a sitting position with Mandira’s (small cymbals) in hand.
7. Dhop Kirtan
A sort of kirtan style which is devoid of movements must be held in connection with Durga Puja, Jhulan Jatra, Mera and Kartika festivals.
8. Ipom
A sort of entertainment where two or three Jtra personalities take part and discuss something. Sumanglila is the most popular form.
9. Holi
Holi singing during the Dol Yatra added a replacement chapter to the history of dance and music of Manipur. The parties consisted of singers, Drummers, and instrumental musicians who sing the Krishna themes in Basanta Raga. They perform one by one in quick succession within a really limited time in the form of completion without any reward.
10. Maibi Dance
Holi singing during the Dol Yatra added a replacement chapter to the history of dance and music of Manipur. The parties consisted of singers, Drummers and instrumental musicians who sing the Krishna themes in Basanta Raga. They perform one by one in quick succession within a really limited time in the form of completion without any reward.
11. Thabal Chongba
The foremost beautiful and seductive dance of the Manipuri Meithei is Thabol Chongba. Thabo Chongba literally means moonlight jump. The youth of the village flock together in hundreds. As soon because the moon rises over the hills the flute, the drums and therefore the cymbals start pouring out music.
12. Pung Cholom
Pung Cholom (also referred to as The Mridangam Dance or Dhumal or Dram dance), maybe a combination of sound and movement, the latter parts demanding acrobatics abilities. The dancers themselves play the Mridangam (Pung) while executing the performance.
In 1850 AD, king Chandra Keerthi Singh added some compositions and was instrumental in introducing 64 pung dances or drum dances.
13. Nata Pala
Vaishnava Pala Kirtana using Dhak, and Kartal became the hottest factor in Manipuri fine arts. The dance otherwise referred to as Kartal Cholom or Cymbal Dance is a characteristic of the Manipuri style of dance and music. The initial movements of this dance are soft and serene, gradually gathering momentum.
it’s a group performance of male partners, using cymbals and wearing snow white ball-shaped large turbans, who sing and dance to the accompaniment of the traditional classical drum “Dhak”.
14. Kamba Thoibi
Kamba-Thoibi is a duet dance which performed either as an element of Lai- Harouba or independently. This dance typically represents the Tandava and Lsya aspects of the Laiharouba movements. within the Kamba -Thoibi tells the story of Kamba, a poor brave lad of khumal clan who feels crazy with Thoibi, a princess of Morang.
In the 15th century AD, Kamba, a prince of the previously routed Khumal royalty fell in love with Thoibi – a princess of the Moirang clan. The union is to the political advantage of both Khumals and Moirangs ; but the moirang chief resisted on purely personal grounds. The result was tragic not just for the young lovers but also for the feuding tribes of Manipur.
15. Khubak Ishei
During the month of Aashar the Manipuri observe Rath Jatra (Drawing of the car of Lord Jagannatha) on the model of the Puri festival. consistent with Manipuri tradition every temple in every place will observe it with the great support of people who contribute their mite to its success. it’s a 9-day program of devotional music and dances followed by the free distribution of Khichuri’s, a dish made from rice and beans.
16. Rakhual or Gustha-Leela
The “Rakhual” (sometimes called as Gustha-Leela) Dance may be a group dance performed by a group of boys, wearing colorful dresses and ornaments. The theme of the dance that’s described in the Mahabharata where Lord Krishna dances with his mates.
Folk Music Instruments of Manipur:
Pena, also referred to as Tingtelia (in Tangkhul language) is a mono string instrument falling in the lute category, almost like some of the traditional Indian stringed musical instruments such as Ravanahatha, Ubo, or the Kenda, found in various parts of the country.
It’s the traditional music instrument of Manipur, India and a few parts of Bangladesh and is played either solo or in a group, in ethnic music, or as the accompanying musical instrument for Lai Haraoba festivals. Pena playing is becoming a dying art as only 145 active Pena players are reported in Manipur.
The middle for Research on Traditional and Indigenous Art (Laihui), a corporation headed by renowned Pena player, Khangembam Mangi Singh has mandated a vision to revive Pena music.
