Manipuri Dance: Origin, Features, Costumes & Themes

Manipur is a state in North-eastern India with the origin of classical dance known as “Manipuri dance”. It occupies a prominent position in Indian classical dance traditions. The true essence of Manipuri dance is very well explained in Shlok as mentioned below-

“मणिपुरी नृत्य सुन्दरम्, मधुर वदन प्रियम्,

आनन्द रस भावौघम्, सन्नतम् सफलम् नृत्यम्।”

The above-mentioned lines mean that Manipuri dance has immense vibrations of emotions expressed with grace using footwork, gentle hand gestures, and facial expressions. Manipuri dance involves the use of instruments like the pung and flute which reflect cultural legacy making their dance an entrancing tradition.

Manipuri Dance

Manipuri dance is a classical dance form from the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. It encompasses both religious and secular themes, characterized by its grace, serenity, and fluid movements. The dance is particularly noted for its themes rooted in Vaishnavism, a tradition of Hinduism, and it often tells stories of the god Krishna and his consort, Radha. Costumes and makeup are elaborate, with female dancers wearing traditional Manipuri saris and male dancers donning dhotis. The dance is accompanied by traditional Manipuri music.

Features of Manipuri Dance

Manipuri dance is renowned for its graceful, fluid movements, expressing themes of love and devotion, particularly through the tales of Radha and Krishna. Its distinctive features include gentle, rounded movements, avoiding sharp lines and angles, and a focus on the lower body’s delicate steps, keeping the upper body still. The costumes are vibrant, with women wearing traditional Manipuri saris and men in dhotis, complemented by elaborate headgear. Music plays a crucial role, with traditional instruments setting the dance’s rhythm and mood.

Themes of Manipuri Dance

1. Ras Leela– It Includes recounting the events, and emotions enhancing relation of Radha and Krishna

2. Krishna Leela– It includes the stories of Lord Krishna right from his birth to staying with Yashoda maiya, his notorious acts, friendship, love for cows etc

3. Devi worship– It includes celebrating the Feminine aura by worshipping goddesses like Maa Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi.

4. Seasonal themes– It includes the dance specifically performed with the change of season like Basanta Ras (Which means spring season). This dance is gracefully performed with suitable and complimenting costumes.

5. Folk Tales and Legends– As we all know folk tales and legend stories give us morale, lessons and values to our life. Manipuri dance depicts such personalities embracing their values and teachings.

6. Pung Cholom is a traditional dance performed to call upon the almighty for their presence, and shower blessings.

7. Lai Haroba is a traditional festival in Manipur through which different themes concerning the festival are performed in dance form. It involves the ritual performance, mythology and celebration syndicated with Lai Haroba.

8. Nature and Environment – This can be quite predictable. Manipuri dance depicts nature’s interconnections with us. For example rivers, mountains landscapes etc.

Styles of Manipuri Dance

Manipuri dance has unique forms of dancing praising its characteristics. Below list out are some varieties of styles of Manipuri dance :

1. Raas Leela- involves traditional dance style that performs Radha Krishna, divine love

2. Nata-Sankirtan- Drama and dance telling different stories of lord Krishna

3. Pung Cholam (Dancers play the pung/drum while dancing

4. Leima Jagoi -Solo dance performed by women during ceremonies

5. Maibi Jagoi -a dance performed by Maibi (priestesses) associated with Lai Haroba festival

6. Thang ta -combination of martial art and dance using swords and spears

10 Lines of Manipuri Dance

1. Manipuri dance, originating from Manipur, India, is celebrated for its spiritual themes and grace.
2. Characterized by soft and fluid movements, it primarily depicts tales of Radha and Krishna, focusing on their eternal love.
3. Dancers wear elaborate traditional costumes, enhancing the dance’s aesthetic appeal.
4. The dance incorporates both Tandava and Lasya elements, balancing vigorous male movements with gentle female gestures.
5. Accompanied by classical Manipuri music, it creates a captivating performance.
6. Manipuri dance not only entertains but also evokes devotion, making it a unique blend of art and spirituality.
7. Manipuri dance emphasizes spiritual connection, often performed in temples and during religious festivals.
8. The dance’s circular movements symbolize the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction.
9. The use of the Pung (a traditional drum) and the harmonious tunes from classical instruments like the flute enrich the performance, making it a deeply immersive experience.
10. Integral to Manipuri culture, this dance form fosters community unity, passing down traditions and stories across generations.

Manipuri Dance Costume

The Manipuri dance costume reflects the grace and modesty of this dance form. Women typically wear a Kumil, a beautifully embellished skirt with a stiffened bottom that flares out, paired with a fine blouse and an intricately designed shawl. Men wear a dhoti, often in white or light colors, and a decorative turban. Both genders may wear richly embroidered pieces that enhance the visual appeal of the dance, embodying the cultural and spiritual essence of Manipur.

What makes Manipuri Dance unique?

Manipuri dance which originated from Manipur, possesses certain characteristics that set it apart from other traditional dance forms.

Here are some points that make it unique:

1. Impact of Vaishnavism– Manipuri dance is influenced by Vaishnavism that revolves around the love and devotion stories of Radha and Krishna.

2. Ornaments and costumes -The costumes of dance are uniquely designed and worn. Dancers wear stiff polo skirts cylindrical shaped and females wear cylindrical headgear which are attractively decorated. The costumes and ornaments are exclusively unique and different from other dance forms.

3. Use of Raasas– Manipuri dance portrays different expressions of emotions using hand gestures, footwork and facial expressions through different Raas.

4. Circular movements– Manipuri dance often symbolises circular movements in dance for continuity in life and cycle.

5. Incorporation of Martial arts– This is unique because it has martial arts with the combination of dance especially inn style like Thanga Tha.

6. Ritualistic Elements– Dance styles like Lai Haroba involve ritualistic elements interconnected with religious and cultural practices in Manipur.

7. Community Participation– Manipuri dance form like Lai haroba is just not the dance form but the community participation for its celebration.

Remarkable Manipuri dance performances

1. Ratna Jhankar Dance Festival (1954)– Guru Bipin Singh, a well-known Manipuri dancer performed at the Ratna Jhankar Dance festival which attracted the audience’s attention by artistic and gracious dance at the national level

2. Jhaveri Sisters Nayana and Ranjana left people astonished with their performances by narrating a story through their beautiful Manipuri dance.

3. Darshana Jhaveri (1972) was felicitated with Devi Award in 1972 for her outstanding contribution to Manipuri dance.

4. Guru Bipin Singh and Kalavati Devi’s “Chitrangada” (1959)– These dancers performed the Chitrangada dance form which is among the drama-based on Ravindranath Tagore’s play.

5. Dancing in the Light (1983)– It was a dance form featured for the life and artistry of Guru Bipin Singh which was exceptionally appreciated by audiences.

6. Nandini Singh’s Performances– She has been performing Manipuri dance at national and international level and became renowned for her graceful dance.

7. Ratna Ghosh’s Contributions: Ratna Ghosh, a famous Manipuri Dancer promoted her teachings of Manipuri dance in Canada which developed cultural understandings across regions.

FAQs- Manipuri Dance

What is Manipuri Dance?

Manipur is a state in North-eastern India with the origin of classical dance known as “Manipuri dance”. Manipuri dance occupies a prominent position in Indian classical dance traditions.

What are the main themes of Manipuri dance?

The main themes of Manipuri dance is mostly Vaishnavism, portraying the stories of Radha and Krishna. The dance also reflects the cultural and religious traditions of Manipur.

Are there specific festivals or occasions where Manipuri dance is performed?

Yes, Manipuri dance is probably performed during cultural festivals in Manipur, such as Lai Haraoba. It is also a popular choice for classical dance performances during national and international dance festivals.

Where do learn Manipuri dance form?

One can contact their nearby dance school or opt for online platforms or cultural centers available.