MANIPUR: A RICH CULTURE

The people of Manipur have a rich cultural heritage. Their cultures are reflected in the costumes, songs, dances, and folklores replete with myths.

Each tribe and sub-tribe has its own typical heritage. The tapestry of Manipur culture is quite colorful.

The graceful Manipuri dance has attained the status of classical dance.

Here is a glimpse of the colorful culture of Manipur.

MANIPURI DANCE

The roots of Manipuri Dance can be traced to the days of yore. The Manipuri Dance has a ritualistic backdrop. The Manipuri Dance is performed especially during the Durga puja.

The modern-day genre of Manipuri Dance is a creative blend of the Bhakti cult and the ritualism.

The distinction of Manipur Dance is its fluid graceful but sharp and vigorous movements marked by vivid expressions of eyes. The fingers are used as well for communicating the moods.

The dancers of Manipuri Dance generally enact various episodes (leela) of Lord Krishna in varied forms (rasa). This points to the overwhelming influence of the Bhakti cult among most of the people of Manipuris, particularly the Meiteis.

Mentionably, the Bhakti cult of the Chaitanya school was introduced in Manipur in the 15th century. This Bhakti cult of the Chaitanya school brought about a sea change in the religious firmament of the majority of the people of Manipur.

Another attractive aspect of the Manipur Dance is the synthesis of the ancient ritualistic forms with the later styles as enunciated by the eminent gurus or teachers of the Manipur culture.

RAS LEELA

The ‘Ras Leela’ is one of the integral forms of Manipur culture. The ‘Ras Leelas are dance dramas.

The ‘Vaishnavite Padavalis’ represent the refined artistic expressions. They are perfomed  with religious fervor. These have been composed and choreograghed by prominent teachers at various times.

PUNG CHOLOM

The Pung Cholom is another form of classical dance.

The performer of Pung Cholom invokes the deity.

The Pung Cholom is performed before the Sankirtana and Ras Leela.

MAIBI DANCE

The Maibi dance is performed ritualistically at the annual Lai-Haraoba festival.

The priestess or the Maibis are deemed to be the mediums to invoke the blessings of the deity.

The Maibis describe the the history and relate the manner in which the peopleof Manipur, particularly the Meiteis live.

NUPA PALA

The Nupa Pala dance is also known as the ‘Kartal Cholom’.

The Nupa Pala Dance popularly known as the ‘Cymbal dance’.

The Nupa Pala dance commences in a very slow motion, and gradually picks up a pace that turns into a frenzy.

It is a lovely sight to witness the Nupa Pala dancers carrying out their intricate movements while playing the cymbals.

Only males perform the Nupa Pala dance.

Groups of dancers perform Nupa Pala. The Nupa Pala dancers wear typical white colored bell-shaped Manipur turbans.

KHAMBA THOIBI DANCE

The Khamba Thoibi dance celebrates the deity presiding over nature.

The Khamba Thoibi dance is performed by two dancers – a male and a female –known as Khamba and Thoibi respectively.

Khamba and Thoibi are the hero and heroine of the famous mythology – Moirang episode of Thangjing.