Indian Dances - Manipuri

Manipuri is the traditional dance of Manipur. The Manipuris are considered descendants of Gandarva, the legendary musicians and dancers in the celestial court of Lord Indira. The origin of the word Manipuri can be traced to the legends. According to the legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are said to have danced in the valleys of Manipur, accompanied by the Gandharvas to the celestial light of the Mani or jewel from the head of the serpent Athishesha. Manipuri lays emphasis in involving the entire body in the dance other than the facial expression. The principal dance item in Manipuri is Ras, which depicts bhakti rasa. The innumerable escapes of Lord Krishna are depicted in Ras. This form of dance lays emphasis on lyrical grace and delicacy of hand gestures. The Chooloms is another form of Manipuri, which includes vigorous tandava items and fast rhythms. Choolams involves singing and dancing, directed towards achieving the union of god. In Choolams, Poong Choolam is danced by men holding drums, and Kartal Choolam by both men and women using cymbals in their hands. Lai Haraoba is another form of Manipuri, which portrays the creation of universe. The costumes used in this form of dance are ornamental and rich in colors.