A three-day festival and seminar on Tribal Performing Arts of Manipur was held at the Th. Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Imphal, from 12 to 14 July 2006. The festival was organized by Manipur State Kala Akademi, and was sponsored by Sangeet Natak
Akademi. The following dances were presented during the festival:

PROGRAMME

July 12, 2006
2.30 PM - Inaugural Function
3.00 PM - Dance Presentation
1. Kharam Senapati District
2. Maram Senapati District
3. Tangkhul Ukhrul District
4. Kom Churachandpur District
5. Liangmei Tamenglong District
6. Monshang Chandel District
7. Chiru Bishnupur District
8. Kabui Imphal District

July 13, 2006
- Dance Presentation
1. Moyon Chandel District
2. Maomei Senapati District
3. Maring Chandel District
4. Poumai Senapati District
5. Anal Chandel District
6. Thadou Senapati District

July 14, 2006
8.00 AM - Seminar
3.00 PM - Dance Presentation
1. Purum Chandel District
2. Paite Churachandpur District
3. Aimol Chandel District
4. Tarao Chandel District
5. Hmar Churachandpur District
6. Mizo Churachandpur District
7. Chothe Chandel District
8. Vaiphei Churachandpur District

3-DAY TRIBAL DANCE FESTIVAL Organising Committee

• Shri R.K. Danisana Singh

• Shri G. Gourakishor Sharma

• Shri R. H. Daikho

• Smt. Poiruna Golmei

• Km. Suryamukhi Devi

• Shri K. Kumar Singh

• Dr. Kh. Sarojini Devi, Secy., MSKA Convenor

Programme-in-Charge

• S. Vedeshwar Sharma Programme Officer, MSKA

Editor

• Salam Rajesh

Programme-Co-ordinator

• Y. Gyaneshwar Singh

• Nomita Khongbantabam

Stage & Cover Design

• S. Kula

KHARAM

The Kharam tribe is one of the least known and among the smallest tribes in Manipur. Their total population is under two thousand, and they inhabit in Kharam Pallen, Leikot Pheizol and Tuisenphai villages in Senapati district. The Kharam was recognised as a scheduled tribe of Manipur by the government only in January 2003 although they were recognised by the Kings of Manipur. A royal edict of Chandrakirti Maharaj in the 19th century A.D. recognised the Kharam tribe.

Like the Aimol, Kom, Chiru, Anal, etc, the Kharam speak a language akin to the Kuki-Chin language speaking group, with characteristic features of the old Kuki group.

The Kharam have a long tradition of cultural lifestyle marked by the observation of different annual and periodic ritualistic festivals like the Meitaal kaap, Muda, Nungak rothar kahoi, Lapu- Lapi, etc. They have both slow moving, rhythmic dance and highly vibrant dances performed by warriors at the time of going to battle or hunting.

MARAM

The Maram is one of the major tribes of Manipur, with a population of 10,510 according to the 2001 census. They inhabit mainly in Senapati district. They share close affinity with the Maomei and Poumai tribes of northern Manipur.

The cultural properties and folk art of the Maram are quite rich, which are visible in their craft, dress and costume, ritual festivals and importantly in their material culture such as the traditional carved houses and the megalithic monuments. The megalithic culture of Willong Khullen and the traditional houses of Maram Khullen can be mentioned here for illustration. Their cultural foundation had resulted in the visually pleasing folk dances and music.

Rakat Rale

The Maram troupe presents their festival dance, Rakat Rale. This festival dance is usually performed during traditional festivals like the Kaanghi, Ponghi, Njaanghi, Mangkhang and Luingaini. The new year festival Kaanghi, the seed sowing festival Luingaini, the post- seed sowing festival Ponghi, and the festival of feasting married women, Njaanghi are important events in the seasonal year for the Marams. They define activities related with their lifestyle and practices in life.

TANGKHUL

The Tangkhul tribe is one of the oldest and major tribes in Manipur. They inhabit mainly in the eastern district of Ukhrul. According to the 2001 census, the total Tangkhul population is 1,12,944. The Tangkhuls possess a similar feature of semi-Aryan to Mongoloid element. They speak a dialect of Naga-Kuki sub group under Naga group.

According to a popular legend, it is believed the Tangkhuls came out of a huge, dark cave in the mythologolical times. In the course of their migration they were believed to have dived into two groups - Raphei or Northern group who used spear as their main weapon, and the Kemo or Southern group who used bows and arrows.

The Tangkhul tribe is well known for their colourful dress and costume, and for their vibrant folk dance and music. Deep red and black is a formidable colour combination that easily identifies the Tangkhuls from other tribes. Among their musical instruments is an interesting form of string musical instrument that resembles the pen a used by the Meitei.

Among the important annual ritualistic festivals of the tribe, are the Luira phanit and Yarra festivals. Longpi village which is located north of Ukhrul town is highly popular for black ware pottery -a trademark of Tangkhul traditional handicraft.

The Tangkhul cultural troupe presents Kachek, Khlai, Hangthuiva, Kathuiva, Fozan, Arengswng, Kaka kadava and Chuitung in sequential order.

KOM

The Kom tribe inhabit mainly in Churachandpur and Senapati districts, with an estimated total population of 15,467 according to the 2001 census.

According to a popular Kom belief, the tribe emerged out of a hole (cave) from the nether world in the mythological times. They are also believed to have migrated from western parts of present day Myanmar in earlier times.

The performing style of the Kom developed through a close observation of nature. The common and popular Kom folk songs are visual narration of their victory over a ferocious tiger in mythological times.

Khurpui lam

The Kom cultural troupe from Khoirentak Khuman village, Churachandpur district, presents the Khurpui lam. This is one of the several folk dances that the Kom perform during their annual ritualistic festivals. Some other popular ones are the Lamkut lam, Vaikep lam, Phoser lam (war dance), Vaikhong lam, Ber lam, etc. The Khurpui lam recreates the myth of their passage from the nether world to the outside world after overpowering the ferocious tiger who stood guard at the mouth of the entrance. It celebrates the victory over the beast, and sings the glory of the Kom progenitors.

LIANGMEI

The Liangmei is one of the affinity tribes under the broad classification of the Zeliangrong entity which is composed of the Zeme, Liangmei, Rongmei and Inpuimei. The Liangmei inhabit in Tamenglong district and according to the 2001 census, their total population is 20,328, indicating a large group.

The Liangmei cultural properties are quite vibrant, distinguished by their black and crimson colour combination supplemented by flower decor and hornbill feather trophy on their heads. The Liangmei female dancers wear a headgear that is similar to the Kajenglei headgear worn by Meitei women. The similarity could indicate a close cultural relationship and social tie between the Liangmei and the Meitei in historical period.

Some of the important annual ritualistic festivals of the Liangmei are the CHAGAN - PHUNGJANBO NGEE (distribution of vegetables); KARIUDUNGBO & MAGIANGBO (Marriage dance).

MONSHANG

The Monsangs with a population of only 1,635 (2001 census) inhabit in Chandel district. They are distributed in six villages, namely, Liwa Chaning, Liwakhun, Liwasarei, Japhou, Monshang Pantha and Heibunglok. The Monshang along with the Anal and Moyon tribes were collectively known as the Pakhan community, and they were believed to have originated from parts of Mongolia.

Like many of the tribes in Manipur, the Monshang popularly believe that their ancestors emerged out of a cave and settled in the outside world in mythological times.

Dress is an important part of their material culture. Red colour cloth is meant for the bachelor, while green is associated with clothes of the girls and women. Interestingly, the women wear two loin clothes at the time of dance performance -the second cloth is worn over the first in reverse direction.

Some of the important annual ritualistic festivals of the Monshang are the Ekam, Yaka, Barnfi, etc. The Ekam festival is celebrated for seven consecutive days in the lunar month of Khosam -corresponding to March in the Roman calender. During these festivals, they use their traditional musical instruments like the Rosem, Gong, Drum, etc.

CHIRU

The Chiru is a minority tribe of Manipur with a small population of 5,487 according to the 2001 census. Their sparse population is spread out in the three hill districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Senapati.

The Chiru are believed to have originated from the Chin hills in western Myanmar. They speak a language akin to the Kuki-Chin group. Before adopting Christianity, the Chiru were ancestor wroshipers and they performed various ritual festivals, dance and music. Yet, they still preserve much of their cultural tradition till this day.

Derkai lam, Waikhong la, Heilo heilo. The Chiru cultural troupe presents three sequences, namely Derkai lam, Waikhong lam and Heilo heilo. Derkai lam re-enacts the stages of childhood and is performed during the Derkai festival. Waikhong lam is a celebration of youth in their heydays, making merry and enjoying life to its fullest. The dance is performed on any occasion. Heilo heilo dance is usually performed during the harvest festival. It describes the rejoicing of completion of work in the paddy fields and at the successful harvest of crop.

KABUI

The Kabui (Rongmei) is one of the major scheduled tribes of Manipur, inhabiting mainly in Tamenglong district with some population in central Manipur valley. According to the 2001 census, their total population is 62,216.

The Kabui tribe is well known for their colourful and vibrant cultural life. This is reflected in the delicate patterns and motifs drawn and carved on the front wall panels of the Tarengkai -the traditional Rongmei richman's house. The powerful and lively foot movements of their dance, and the heart pounding rhythm of their drum beats define the richness of Kabui folk element.

Of their important annual ritualistic festivals, the Gaanngai is fairly well
known in the state. This celebration of the new year continues for five consecutive days and during this period, the best of Kabui folk dance and music, their ancient rituals and tradition are seen.

MOYON

The Moyon tribe is distributed in thirteen villages of Chandel district, namely, Moyon Khullen, Komlathabi, Pomaiching, Heikrutampak, Mitong, etc. According to the 2001 census, their total population is 1,710 only.

Described as one of the oldest tribes in Manipur, the Moyons believe they originated from a mythical cave in the ancient times. Mongoloid in outlook, the Moyon along with the Monshang and Anal form a close fraternity known as the Pakan community.

The Moyon observed several ritualistic festivals, some of which are the Di-din, Berjkap and Ekon eru festivals. During the Berjkap festival, the spirits are exorcised by shooting arrows. Green is a predominant colour used by the Moyon and Monshang.

MAO

The Mao (Maomei) is a fairly large ethnic tribe with a big population of 80,568 according to the 2001 census. They inhabit in the northern-most part of Senapati district bordering Nagaland state.

Like the Maram and the Poumai tribes, with whom they share certain affinity, the Maomei are readily distinguished by their colourful cultural life. A prominant material culture of the Maomei is their traditional carved houses having different motifs of the heavenly bodies, animals and humans displaying the earlier practice of head-hunting.

The Mao (Maomei) observe several annual ritualistic festivals, of which the most popular is the Chiithuni festival which is held in early January. This festival heralds the spirituality of the Maomei, and is distinctive of their folk elements such as dance and music and beliefs. The Maomei men are characteristically distinguised by their highly colourful and vibrant headgear which spreads like the sun- rays.

Aso Rolii Odo

The Mao cultural troupe presents their folk dance Aso Rolii Odo. This dance is performed both by the men and the women during their annual ritualistic festivals.

MARING

The maring tribe is one of the oldest tribes in Manipur, having a total population of 17,361 according to the 2001 census. They mainly inhabit in Chandel district. According to their legend, the Marings believe they emerged from a cave in the ancient times. They also believe that the mouth of the cave was opened with the help of a Mithun, an animal which is revered as a sacred animal and as a symbol of status and wealth by many of the tribe groups.

The Marings are well known for their prowess in the use of the bow and arrow, and of their knowledge in the use of poison extracted from herbs and plants. They are also well known for their mastery in bamboo and cane handicrafts, and their knowledge in dyeing black colour particularly in basketry. Traditional Maring men still wear long hairs tied in a knot on their forehead, while women still dye their teeth with black colour which they believe is good for protection from infection of the teeth and the gum.

The Maring folk dance and music reflects their warrior- type habits in life and practice, and their prowess in hunting and battle. The Maring dress is predominantly black and white.

Lhousha

The Sandang Senba Maring cultural troupe presents the Maring war dance, Lhousha. It recreates the passage of time when the Marings at war demonstrated their skill and prowess in battle. It also celebrates their victory over their enemies.

POUMAI

The Poumai tribe is one of the largest ethnic group in the state, having a large population of around 40,000 in the last count. They inhabit in the northeastern parts of Senapati district bordering Nagaland state towards the north and Ukhrul district towards the east. The Poumai was recognised by the government as a scheduled tribe of Manipur only in January 2003. The Poumai women are distinctive by their colourful dress representing the seven colours of the rainbow.

The Poumai have no written history yet they have a rich cultural tradition. The spirituality of the Poumai is reflected in the performance of elaborate rituals and feast. They perform a number of festivals, songs and dances, all woven round the year. The Poumai have several dances and performing arts, of which the more popular ones are the Ahsah-do (prosperity dance), Rih-do (war dance), rata-do (ploughing demonstration), Madedhou (seed sowing dance), Chacha-do (harvesting dance), and so forth.

ANAL

The Anals are one of the scheduled tribes of Manipur, majority of whose population is concentrated in around forty five villages of Chnadel district. According to the 2001 census, the total Anal population is 13,385.

According to a belief of the Anals, it is said they migrated from parts of Mongolia in the ancient times, later moving south to Myanmar and into Manipur. Mongoloid in feature and character, the Anals live in pile dwelling houses made of wooden planks, which is characteristic of the old Kuki house types.

Sheroh-sheroh

The Anal cultural troupe presents Sheroh-sheroh, their festival dance. In a nutshell, this dance is a celebration of joy at the arrival of the newly married bride to her husband's house. The husband, the wealthiest man in the village, invites all and sundry to join in the festivity. There is much feasting and rejoicing on the occasion. An element of Anal folk culture is seen in the celebration.

Some interesting Anal folk songs are the Shupangki-oh Hmi-oh, Khuwngmathum, Ejung de-den Kadu na, Ameh-ritung ritha, Ruwngkam ritung ritha, Atu-oh Setu-oh, Apal itha risin rih and Amul zongkha.

THADOU

The Thadou is a major tribe of the state, inhabiting in Churachandpur, Chandel and Senapati districts. According to the 2001 census, the total Thadou population is 1,15.045.

The Thadous belong to the Mongoloid stock and speak a language of northern Kuki-Chin. According to a legend, the Thadous lived below the earth and later came out of it to settle in the outside world. By nature, the Thadous are a migratory people and they tend not to settle permanently in one place.

Before adopting Christianity, the Thadous believed in the omnipotent Pathian as the creator of the universe. They observe various annual ritualistic festivals some of which are the Chon, Lawn, Kivia and Hun. The festivals are accompanied with dances of either the Lamta or Laohomlaam. Musical instruments like the Gosem, Maite and different types of wind pipes made of reed, gourd or bamboo are popularly used by them.

CHOTHE
(PURUMCHUMBANG)

The Chothe is one of the scheduled tribes of Manipur, inhabiting in Chandel and Churachandpur districts. Their population according to the 2001 census is only 2,675. They speak a language akin to the Kuki-Chin speaking group.

The Purum cumbang cultural troupe presents six items of dance, namely Kardom kardom kati al, Shiora hongo shioja rachommo, Karengo hungo karengo yungo, Rachen no rachen no, Ahuinudong hulai nu dong and Sotui oh hoi al sotui oh lamnu oh.

The Kardom kardom kati al dance is performed by young boys and girls at the time of their initiation into the respective youth dormitories, signifying their passage into adulthood. The Shiora hongo shioja rachommo dance is performed to honour a person newly holding a post in the tribe's council of elders. The Karengo hungo karengo yungo dance is performed by the youth in the presence of the village chief who pays visit while the performance is in progress. The Rachen no rachen no dance is performed at the beginning of the Ingen lunar month. The Ahuinudong hulai nu dong dance is performed by the girls during full moon night. The Sotui oh hoi al sotui oh lamnu oh dance is usually performed at the conclusion of every other dance form.

PAITE

The Paites are one of the indigenous tribes of Manipur, inhabiting in Churachandpur district. According to the 2001 census, their total population is 44,861.

The Paite way of life-a culture that evolved with their settlement- provides an insight into the broader ethnic scheme of Manipur.

AIMOL

The Aimol is a small ethnic group having a total population of 2,643 according to the 2001 census. They inhabit in parts of Chandel and Churachandpur districts. The population distribution pattern of the Aimol indicate that they used to shift their settlement sites from place to place in the past. By definition, the Aimol is categorised under the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group. Linguistically also, they are classified as one of the members of the old Kuki group.

According to a popular Aimol belief, they originated from a mythical cave known as Khupi in the ancient times. As they came out from below the earth, their found that a ferocious tiger was standing guard at the mouth of the 'cave. 'Ultimately, they slew the tiger and they settled in the outside world. This belief finds reflection in their folk narrative in the form of dance.

The Aimol possesses a rich cultural tradition which they enthusiastically preserve to this day.

Khur lam, Khosinna lam, Tuisinna lam.

The Aimol cultural troupe presents three items, namely Khur lam, Khosinna lam and Tuisinna lam. Khur lam re-enacts the myth of Aimol progenitors emerging out of a dark cave to settle in the outside world. Khosinna lam is symbolic of a striped ox with whose help Aimol progenitors set up their first settlement. Tuisinna lam is performed to observe the successful digging of water (tui) source for the village.

TARAO

The Tarao is a least known tribe in Manipur, with a very small population of only 689. They inhabit mainly in Chandel district with a miniscule population in Sanakeithel village in Ukhrul district. Their primary settlement is at Tarao Laimanai village in Tegnoupal subdivision of Chandel district. Other Tarao villages are Leishokching, Heikakmul and Khuringmul. The Tarao, along with the Kharam and the Poumai tribes, was recognised by the government as a scheduled tribe of the state only in January 2003.

HMAR

The origin of the Hmar is believed to be in central China, at a place called Sinlung. The Hmar left Sinlung around 200 B.C. along with other ethnic groups when the great south-westward population movement occurred. They settled in the place of the Shan in Northeast Myanmar around 200 A.D., then migrated to present day Mizoram and Tripura around 950 A.D. Later, they spread to Manipur and Assam around 1500 A.D. In Manipur, they inhabit mainly in Churachandpur district. According to the 2001 census, the total Hmar population is 42,690.

Being one of the oldest tribes of Manipur, the Hmar have carried their tradition of dance and music though the years. Their important annual ritualistic festivals are Sikpuiruoi, Mim, Chapchar, etc. The popular Hmar musical instruments are Penkhnong, Darkhnong, Darmang, Theihla, etc.

Sikpuilam

The Hmar cultural troupe presents their traditional dance, Sikpuilam. This dance is usually performed on the occasion of their Sikpuilam (Sikpui=deep winter; ruoi=festival feast) ritualistic festival.

This festival is held to mark the successful harvest during mid winter. The festival also is an occasion when the Hmar community experience sense of love and unity amongst them. On this day, the poor and the rich, the high and the low all share the festival feast in one common ground.

MIZO

The Mizo population in Manipur is fairly large, with a total head count of 10,520 according to the 2001 census. They inhabit mainly in Churachandpur district.

The Mizo is distinguished by their inherent cultural and material properties, which are readily discernible in their colourful dress and costume, and by their vibrant folk dance and music -of which the most popular is the Mizo bamboo dance.

Bualpui chero and Zialung chero

The Mizo cultural troupe presents their traditional dance Bualpui chero and Zialung chero. Bualpui chero is performed by the Mizo women to celebrate the successful harvest season. There is much feasting and merry-making on the occasion. Zialung chero is performed by the Mizo male dancers. It celebrates the occasion of victory over their enemies in battle, and it also reflects their ancient culture of head-hunting. The vigour of Mizo life in peace time and also in war time are showcased in these two dance presentations.

CHOTHE

The Chothe is one of the scheduled tribes of Manipur, inhabiting in Chandel and Churachandpur districts. Their population according to the 2001 census is only 2,675. They speak a language akin to the Kuki-Chin speaking group.

According to their popular belief, the Chothe believed they emerged out of a huge, dark cave in the mythological times. They believed that a wild buffalo opened the mouth of the cave with its horns and the progenitors of the Chothe emerged out of that cave and settled in the outside world.

Before they became Christians, the Chothe could be readily distinguished by their typical hairstyle. Both the men and the women tied their hair as a bunch behind their heads.

The religious and social life of the Chothe cover a number of festivals and ritual observations throughout the seasonal year.

Achuilam
The Chothe cultural troupe presents Achuilam, a traditional dance performed during the festival of Achuilin which is celebrated for 7 days in Langban lunar month. This dance is a dedication to the deity Chothe Thangwai Pakhangba. The Chothe believed that the deity gave protection to their progenitors who came out of a huge, dark cave in the mythological times to settle in the outside world. Interestingly, this dance is performed in the pattern of the serpentine movement known by the Meitei as "Lairen mathek".

VAIPHEI

The Vaiphei inhabits in Churachandpur district, having a fairly large population of 27,791 according to the 2001 census. They share certain affinity with tribes like the Paite, Hmar and Simte who also inhabits in the same district. Broadly termed under the Teddim-Chin group, they are believed to have originated from the Chin hills in present day western Myanmar.

The Vaiphei have a large repository of material and cultural properties, of which their craft -particularly hand woven cane basketry -can be mentioned.

Sang sang hawk hawk

The Vaiphei cultural troupe presents Sang sang bawk bawk. This dance is performed by the youth in accompaniment to percussion music. There is no limitation in the number of the dancers in this particular dance form.

Some other dance form of the Vaiphei are the Khuangpi lam, Bu-ai, Sa-ai and Lampak lam. These are performed during their annual festivals and other social occasions.