The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya organised ‘Bharat ke rang’, a programme of cultural performances of the North-Eastern States on Sunday. Artistes from Manipur, Assam and Sikkim performed folk and tribal dances in this programme.
Sunday’s dance presentation began with ‘Kabui and Dhol Cholam Dance’ of Manipur.
The Kabuis, inhabiting the western hill ranges of Manipur, have a rich tradition of dance and music and are well known for their exquisite costumes. During the Gang-Ngai festival, the Kabuis perform a series of dances in different stylized forms, accompanied by the sound of heavy drums and high-pitched songs.
The boys wield sharp weapons (daos) in their hands and move around in circles along with girls dressed in traditional costumes. The Shim lam Dance and the Kit lam Dance are some of dances of the Kabui Nagas. The Shim lamdance is also known as the Fly Dance.
The second performance was world famous Bihu Dance of Assam. The most important festivals of Assam are the Bihus, celebrated with fun in abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, and belief. The joyous dance is performed by both young men and women, and is characterised by brisk dance steps, rapid hand movement, and a rhythmic swaying of the hips in order to represent youthful passion. Dancers wear traditionally colourful Assamese clothing. The most important and colourful of the three Bihu festival is the Spring festival “Bohag Bihu” or Rangali Bihu celebrated in the middle of April.
After Bihu artists from Sikkim presented ‘Ghantu’ folk dance. The Ghantu nach or dance festival takes place in the month of Magh Panchami in Magh (towards the end of January) and ends on Baisakh Purnima which fall around in the end of April or the beginning of May. Hey wear typical Ghantu dress which comprises the traditional Gurung dress, jewellery and special headgear.
They dance in a trance like manner with extreme grace filled with twists, rising and sinking; and then turning in a squatting position with the hands just touching the ground, with eyes closed. In a story that is sung by a group of men, a slow chant to the rhythm of a double ended drum.