Manipuri Dance Forms And Festivals. Manipuri dance is a classical dance from Manipur. Manipur is a state in north‑east India. It is one of the six major classical dances of India. This dance is known for being calm. It uses soft and fluid movements. It tells spiritual and mythological stories.
History
- The dance began in ancient times in Manipur. It may go back before written history.
- Earliest form: Lai Haraoba. It was a ritual dance by priestesses or priests. It means “merry‑making of gods”.
- Later, Vaishnavism (worship of Krishna) came to Manipur in the 15th century.
- King Bhagyachandra in the 18th century shaped the Raas Leela style. He got guidance from a dream.
- Over time, other forms grew. They include martial dance (Thang‑Ta), folk dance, and instrument dances.
Manipuri Dance Forms And Festivals
Types of Manipuri Dance
Here are the main forms:
- Raas Leela
- Devotional dance.
- Tells the story of Krishna and Radha with the gopis.
- Usually done in a circle.
- Nata Sankirtana
- Group singing and dance.
- Performed in temple courtyards.
- It marks life events like birth, marriage, funerals.
- Pung Cholom
- Dancers play the “pung” (drum) while dancing.
- Involves acrobatics and rhythm.
- Kartal Cholom
- Dancers play cymbals and dance in circular patterns.
- Thang‑Ta
- Martial art dance.
- Uses swords, spears, shields.
- Shows strength and control.
- Leima Jagoi & Maibi Jagoi
- Leima: women’s dance at events or ceremonies.
- Maibi: priestess dance during Lai Haraoba.
Style and Technique
- Movements are soft, gentle, and flowing.
- Dancers use closed feet. They hardly lift heels. They glide on toes .
- Body moves in circular or 8‑shaped paths. This is called “Naga Bandha”.
- Arms and hands move like flowing water. Wrist movements are graceful.
- Facial expressions are calm and soft. They show devotion (bhakti rasa).
- No ankle bells here. This keeps the movement smooth and light.
- It includes three elements:
- Nritta: pure dance
- Nritya: expressive dance
- Natya: drama.
Music and Instruments
Music is central in Manipuri dance. It includes:
- Pung – barrel drum (played in Pung Cholom).
- Kartal – small cymbals.
- Pena – string instrument, used in Lai Haraoba.
- Flute – adds melody .
- Singer – songs in Sanskrit, Maithili, Bengali, Brij Bhasha.
- Singing style: “Nat”, high‑pitched and open‑throated.
They use ragas (melodies) and talas (rhythms). Yet, the dance tone is mild and spiritual.
Costumes and Makeup
Women’s costume:
- Big cylindrical skirt called Potloi or Kumil.
- Over it, a light white muslin skirt.
- Velvet blouse and translucent veil or head-covering.
- Jewelry: subtle necklaces, earrings, bracelets.
- Makeup: white chalk or rice paste designs for face.
Men’s costume:
- Dhoti and angavastra (wrap).
- Colorful waistcloth (“khamen”).
- For Krishna: yellow dhoti, velvet jacket, peacock crown.
7. Themes and Stories
Most dances revolve around:
- Krishna and Radha love stories (Raas Leela).
- Folk tales like Khamba and Thoibi, seasonal stories.
- Festival dances like Basanta Raas (spring), Maha Raas, Nitya Raas etc.
- Ritual dances in “Lai Haraoba” – creation stories of gods and goddesses.
- Life events: birth, weddings, funerals.
Famous Gurus and Dancers
- King Bhagyachandra – formalized Raas Leela.
- Rabindranath Tagore – invited Manipuri teachers to Shantiniketan.
- Notable artists: Guru Bipin Singh, Kalavati Devi, Sohini Ray, Darshana Jhaveri & sisters.
Spiritual and Cultural Role
- Deeply devotional. Dancers show bhakti (devotion) through movement.
- It is spiritual worship in temple courtyards.
- Brings community together in festivals and events.
- Keeps Manipuri culture alive through generations.
Comparison with Other Indian Classical Dances
| Feature | Manipuri | Bharatanatyam / Kathak / Odissi |
|---|---|---|
| Footwork | Gentle, toes, no bells | Strong, uses ankle bells |
| Movements | Flowing, circular | Angular, straight lines |
| Expressions | Soft, calm, devotional | Sharp, dramatic |
| Style | Lyrical, spiritual, minimal drama | Dramatic, narrative, expressive |
| Costumes | Potloi skirt, veil, soft colors | Bright sari, structured style |
| Instruments | Pung, pena, flute, kartal | Mridangam, sitar, tabla etc. |
| Themes | Radha-Krishna, rituals, folk | Epics, mythology, social themes |
- Footwork: Manipuri is light and gliding. Others use heavy footwork with bells.
- Expressions: Very soft in Manipuri. Others are more bold and displayed.
- Movements: Circular in Manipuri. Others include geometric poses.
- Music: Uses local instruments. Others use Carnatic or Hindustani styles.
- Themes: Focuses on love, spirituality. Others explore many topics.
Why Manipuri is Unique
- Spiritual calmness: It feels peaceful and devotional.
- Flowing style: Like a river, each movement leads to the next.
- Circular shapes: The dance moves in circles or 8s.
- Music integration: Instruments and voice are in sync with dance.
- Cultural bond: It stays rooted in Manipuri traditions since ancient times.
Evolution and Present Day
- It survived even during British rule in temple spaces.
- Tagore helped spread it beyond Manipur.
- Today, it is taught globally in dance schools.
- Recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- Shows continue in festivals worldwide.
Conclusion
Manipuri dance is a treasure of Indian art.
It blends grace, rhythm, and devotion.
It tells divine stories in a soft, lyrical way.
Its unique style, music, and costume set it apart.
This dance continues to shine and shape lives.
FAQs
Q1: What are the main Manipuri dance forms?
The main dance forms are Raas Leela, Thang Ta, Pung Cholom, and Lai Haraoba. Each has its own meaning and style.
Q2: What is Raas Leela?
Raas Leela is a spiritual dance. It shows the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Dancers wear colorful traditional clothes.
Q3: What is Thang Ta?
Thang Ta is a martial art dance. Dancers use swords and spears. It is powerful and exciting to watch.
Q4: What is Pung Cholom?
Pung Cholom is a drum dance. Dancers play drums while dancing. It needs great balance and energy.
Q5: What is Lai Haraoba?
Lai Haraoba means “merry-making of the gods.” It is a festival dance. It shows stories from the past and honors local gods.
Q6: Are these dances only for special occasions?
Yes, most dances are performed during religious festivals, weddings, or cultural programs.
Q7: What are the famous festivals of Manipur?
Popular festivals include Lai Haraoba, Yaoshang, Rath Yatra, and Ningol Chakouba.
Q8: What happens during Lai Haraoba Festival?
People sing, dance, and perform rituals. The festival celebrates the creation of life and the gods.
Q9: What is Yaoshang?
Yaoshang is like Holi. It is a spring festival with colors, sports, and dancing. It lasts for five days.
