The Northeastern states of India celebrates International Dance Day today. It was first announced by the International Dance Council in 1982. Dance is a form of art.
Northeast comprises of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. The region is culturally rich and holds traditions.
Bihu is celebrated in Assam. This year, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has sent otherwise Bihu gifts to the leading persons in almost every sector across the country. Bihu dance is a popular form of dance in India, celebrated strong.
Dhamal, better known as dhamail, is a form of folk music and dance. It is prevalent in the Mymensingh and Sylhet regions of northeastern Bengal, in present-day Bangladesh and eastern India. Also celebrated across regions in Northeast.
On International Dance Day today, several cultural programmes were held in various districts to uphold the significance of the same. The celebrations also saw active participation of the lovers of dance.
One of the eight major Indian classical dance forms, originating in the state of Manipur is Manipuri. It is also referred to as the Manipuri Raas Leela, and is in tune with the devotional themes of Madhura Raas of Radha-Krishna and characterised by gentle eyes, soft peaceful body moves.
Naga dances are martial arts-based celebratory dances that depict their valor, bravery, and strength. Both men and women can participate in these. Ao-Naga tribal troupes dance their heart out during the depiction of their valued art form.
In Mizoram, Cheraw dance is a traditional cultural dance, consisting of mostly six to eight people holding pairs of bamboo staves on another horizontally placed bamboo on the ground. The look is artistic.
Khasi life in Meghalaya also has a unique identity when it comes to dance. According to the official website of the Department of Arts and Culture to the Government of Meghalaya, one of the basic forms of Khasi music is the ‘phawar’, which is more of a “chant”; than a song, and are often composed on the spot, impromptu, to suit the occasion.
Other forms of song include ballads & verses on the past, the exploits of legendary heroes, laments for martyrs. Khasi musical instruments (Ksing Shynrang, Ksing Kynthei) are also interesting because they support the song and the dance, mentions the website. Flutes and Drums of various types are used to add to the practice during the same.
Team NE India Broadcast extends International Dance Day greetings to the valued viewers and readers. Warm wishes. The team is also hopeful that the respective dance forms would remain an identity in the broader sense of the term.