Major Dance Forms in Manipur

The state of Manipur is home to many styles of dance. Manipuri dances embrace both folk and classical forms of dance.  The Raas Leela, a Manipuri dance form, is one of India’s eight primary classical dance forms. The Manipuri folk dances are performed primarily in devotion to local gods such as Umang Lai during festivals like Lai Haraoba. The dance forms of the numerous local tribes also contribute to the styles of Manipuri dance. It is usually performed by multiple groups where each group has its unique costumes, theme, patterns and expertise. 

Manipuri dance is primarily religious and aims to express spirituality.  It is performed mainly during festivals and ceremonies such as weddings and rites, particularly by the Meitei people. Most of the Manipuri dance forms are said to have originated in temples and have been passed down verbally from time to time.

Dance in Manipur

In Manipur, dance is seen not only as an art form but an integral part of life and critical to all ceremonies.  Dance is considered a form of worship and aims to create a spiritual experience for the dancer and the audience. 

According to Manipuri legend, the Earth’s uneven surface was flattened by the dance of the seven Laibangthous (Gods) and Lainuras (Goddesses) after Lai Guru Sidaba created it.

What is Manipuri dance?

India has eight primary classical dance forms, of which the Manipuri Dance or the Manipuri Raas Leela is one. The Manipuri Raas Leela is a dance drama considered a purely spiritual experience as it showcases the dance of the heavenly love of Lord Krishna with Radha, known as the Raas Leela. Like most classical Indian dances, the Manipuri dance traces its roots back to the Natya Shastra, an ancient Hindu Sanskrit text. It also culturally incorporates numerous local tribal dances and gains influences from them. 

How is Manipuri Dance Characterised?

Manipuri dance is committed to the worship of Radha Krishna and mainly follows the Hindu Shastras of Vaishnavism.

• The dance form is full of the devotional themes of Madhura Raas of Radha-Krishna and consists of gradual eye movement and peaceful body movements. The facial expressions are amicable, mostly showing Bhakti Rasa or the emotion of devotion. 

• Many instruments play devotional music with the Kartal and Pung (a Manipuri drum) setting the beat that accompanies the Manipuri dance form. Through the dance form, the dramas and tales of Vaishnavite Padavalis are displayed. 

• Apart from the Raas Leela, Manipuri dance also consists of cholom, jagoi and huyen langlon. Huyen Langlon is a martial art that makes Manipuri dance the sole Indian Classical dance to showcase violence.

Other Major Forms of Manipuri Dance

• Lai Haraoba

The Lai Haraoba is a traditional dance that reenacts the ‘Creation of the Universe’. It was at first a part of the Lai Haraoba festival, which means the celebration of gods. At this festival, people seek forgiveness for their sins and also decide to lead a pure life in the upcoming year.  

The dance is presented before the shrines of Umanglai, the ancestral God of the Meiteis, at the village temples. The maibas (priests) and maibis (priestesses)perform this dance and are seen as avatars of purity. They call for the deity through their symbolic, repetitive and rhythmic movements. The maibas and maibis showcase the beliefs of the Meitei people through the dance and describe their way of life.

• Kabui Dance

The Kabuis, who live in the western hills of Manipur, have a valuable tradition of dance and music and are known for their exuberant costumes. The Kabuis perform a set of dances in various stylised forms amidst the rattle of deep drumming and high-pitched songs. The boys circle the girls dressed in traditional costumes while holding sharp weapons (daos).

The Shim Lam dance, also known as the Fly Dance, is one of the dances of the Kabui Nagas. According to Kabui legend, a sacrifice called ‘Jourumei’ was performed by the prophet Mhung. The prophet invited all the creatures to this sacrifice, and each species performed its dance. Shim Lam dance is based on the dance that was performed by Tajuibon, a flying insect with shiny wings. 

• Luivat Pheizak Dance

One of the most popular dances of the Thangkhul Naga community of Manipur is the Luivat Pheizak. This Manipuri dance is performed during all traditional festivals and portrays the several stages of cultivation and the elementary lifestyle of the Tangkhul Naga community. 

Interestingly, this dance is not accompanied by music apart from the notes of different vocal pitches. It features vibrant costumes, fluctuation of notes from act to act and quick hand and leg movements.

• Thang-Ta

The Thang-Ta is an ancient and extraordinary practice of Manipur. It displays the remarkable technique of combat using the Thang (sword) and the Ta (spear). This Manipuri dance represents the long-standing martial art techniques of the Manipuris. In ancient times, all Manipuri men received strict training to master the art to prepare them for a war-like situation. This dance gives basic training in battle and improves personal strength, speed, sensitivity and quickness of mind. 

The Meitis are said to have derived all their dance moves from this martial art connected to the snake lore of Manipur. The Thang movements chase evil spirits, while the Ta is held in a position to protect. A Thang-Ta performance begins with Khurumjaba, in which the performers seek blessings from the Lord, the gurus and the audience by holding their instruments.

• Pung Cholom

The soul of Manipuri dance is the Pung, or Manipuri drum. During the festival of Holi, the Manipuris perform the Pung Cholom dance.  The Pung Cholom is part of the music of the Sankirtan tradition and is acclaimed as one of the best art forms in the state.  The various rhythmic patterns played on the Pung are visually displayed through this dance. In this dance, the drummer gets in on the act with his footwork and body movements as he immerses himself in the rhythm of the beat.

Conclusion

Manipur has many styles of dance ranging from folk to classical and modern. The primary forms of Manipuri are the Raas Leela, a classical Indian dance form, Jagoi, Cholom and Thang-Ta, which is unique in a way as a martial art in dance form. All Manipuri folk dances and classical dances are spiritual and devotional. The dances of Manipur fascinate the observers with their exotic costumes and elegant rhythm. The dances contain a rich story depicting various folklore and form an integral part of the religious and social fabric of Manipur.