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Arunachal Pradesh is a state located in the North-East region of India. It is the most remote part of India and is known as the land of the rising sun. Any celebration or festival is incomplete without the traditional dance of Arunachal Pradesh, as dance is the essence of the culture of Arunachal Pradesh. The folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh are of various formats, like religious drama dance, martial arts dance or colourful dance.
Aji Lhamu
Aji Lhamu is the most popular folk dance in Arunachal Pradesh, and is practised by Tawang’s Monpa tribe. The dance is much like the Hindu Epic Ramayana. It is a religious dance-drama, full of entertainment.
The Aji Lhamu dance of Arunachal Pradesh mainly has five characters. Nyapa is the lead character and Nyao is the rival character. There are two female characters, Lhum and Lhamu. Lhamu is a fairy who has come down to Earth, directly from heaven and became the queen of Gyeli on Earth. The fifth character is mythological and is known as Gyeli. At Losar Festival, people perform this song and celebrate the festival. This dance form has gained popularity across the world.
Buiya Dance
Buiya dance is one of the most popular dances in Arunachal Pradesh. People perform this dance at all tribal functions and is practised by the tribe Digaru Mishmis. Everyone in the family or close relatives performed this folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh. People consider Buiya as a joyful dance that can bond people. Festivals like Tanuya, Tazampu or Duiya are celebrated with this folk dance. People of different ages perform Buiya dance to the beats of the gong and drum.
There is no particular dress code for this dance. People perform it in their tribal clothes along with beautiful pieces of jewellery around their wrists and neck.
Lion and Peacock dance
The Lion and Peacock dance is also performed by the Monta tribe and is done in two groups. Each group has one drummer. The dancers wear the mask of lions and cock heads and imitate the animals. Instruments like cymbals and gongs are used in it. Buiya dance of Arunachal Pradesh is magnificent, and it creates a carnival-like atmosphere.
Pasi Kongki
Pasi Kongki is another popular folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh. The Adi tribe celebrates it and it represents the culture of Arunachal Pradesh. Through this dance, they beautifully narrate their history and the social work done by the Pasi.
The Pasi Kongki dance form is considered an essential part of the Adi tribe people. The dance keeps the joy in their life as it unites the whole tribe with their love and respect for the dance form.
The locals sing a song called Aabang, and this dance of Arunachal Pradesh is performed to this tune. Both men and women perform pasi Kongki dance. They wear dance costumes while performing and carry a sword in their hands.
Chalo dance
The Chalo Loku festival is celebrated with Chalo dance in Arunachal Pradesh. People eagerly wait for the Chalo Loku festival. It takes place every year in October and November. It is celebrated very grandly before harvesting paddy in Arunachal Pradesh by the Nocte tribe. The celebration refers to a farewell to the past season. People of all ages are open to the Chalo dance of Arunachal Pradesh. They dance to the beat of drums and people’s songs.
Wancho dance
The Wancho tribe performs the Wancho dance of Arunachal Pradesh. It is performed for recreational purposes. They wear traditional dance costumes. It is performed by both the male and female members of the tribe. The men dance with a decorated basket of cane hanging around their waists. The men carry swords in their right hand while dancing. They dance in groups. First, men perform to the beats of the song sung by them only. They convey a message through the song. Then, women dance to the beat of the song, which is actually in reply to the men’s song. This is repeated many times. Women dance in two straight lines while the men dance in circle sync.
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh is very rich in culture with many tribes and sub-tribes. Each of them has its own way of dance form. The dance of Arunachal Pradesh is an essential part of the life of the tribal community. They dance and sing on every occasion like weddings or festivals. They pray through their dance for their well being. Some of them have particular dance costumes. Their dance can be religious, ritual, drama or recreational. Each dance form is also characterised by specific instruments and local songs sung by the tribe members only.
