Folk Dances of Manipur

Manipuri folk dances include the Pung Cholom, Raslila, Maibi dance, Khamba Thaibi, Lal Haraoba and the Nupa dance.
Folk dances of Manipur hold a distinct place in the cultural arena of the country. Manipuri dances, whether the classical ones or the folk dances, are all devotional in nature.

Pung Cholom Dance

Maibi Dance
Maibi dance is performed during the celebration of festival Lai Haraoba, which is an annual ritual festival of the Meitei Manipuris, living in the valley of Manipur. Lai Haraoba refers to frolic of the gods.

Khamba Thaibi
Khamba Thaibi dance is a popular art form, widely performed in Manipur. Generally, it is performed either as part of Lai Haoraoba or as an independent performance.

Nupa Dance
Nupa dance or Nupa Pala is also known as Kartal Cholom or Cymbal dance, performed in a group, only by the men folk. This dance represents the unique Manipuri style of dance and music, where the performers sing and dance to the rhythm of the Pung.

Raslila

Raslila is another folk dance of Manipur which is capable of evoking profound emotions in people. Eternal love of Radha and Krishna is depicted through these dances, as narrated in Hindu scriptures and Puranas.

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