India Dance : Manipuri

From the 15th to the 18th centuries, Vaishnavism came to be adopted in Manipur and this ushered a new era in the development of this style. For Manipuris.

Dance has been so inextricably woven into their pattern of life. The dance form is mostly ritualistic. It has still preserved the dance drama technique which draws heavily from the rich lore of legend and mythology.

Costumes are colourful and the music has a quaint old-world charm. The numbers presented are Lai Haraoba and Rasa Leela. The former deals with the creation of the world and the latter is on Krishna Leela.

Drums play an important part and the Poonang Cholom item is a must in any performance. The Kartar Cholom danced with cymbals is another exciting item.