Lai Haraoba
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
The ritual festival-dance of the Meitei, 'the merrymaking of the gods', in which priestesses (maibis) dance the story of creation.
RitualWhere: Manipur (Imphal valley and Moirang)Occasion: Annual festival of each locality’s Umang Lai (forest deities), mostly in spring
| Performed by | Maibis (priestesses), maibas (priests) and the whole community |
|---|---|
| Costume | Maibis in white phanek and innaphi with a white turban; villagers in traditional dress |
| Music and instruments | Pena (a bowed string instrument) and songs sung by the maibas |
How it is performed
- The deity is invoked and called up from water in a ritual led by the maibas and maibis.
- The maibis dance in trance-like movements, enacting the creation of the universe and of the body.
- Through hand gestures they show the building of a house, sowing, weaving and other work of daily life.
- Villagers join in group dances that move in coiling, snake-like lines.
- The festival closes with the deity being ceremonially sent back to rest.
Significance
Lai Haraoba belongs to the Meitei’s older faith of Sanamahi. Many movements of Manipuri classical dance are believed to have their roots in it. Forms differ by place, such as Kanglei, Moirang, Chakpa and Kakching Haraoba.