Thabal Chongba
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
‘Dancing in the moonlight’: young men and women hold hands and dance in a circle during the Yaoshang festival.
FolkWhere: Manipur (Imphal valley)Occasion: Yaoshang (the Manipuri spring festival around Holi), and other festive nights
| Performed by | Young men and women of the locality |
|---|---|
| Costume | Women in phanek and innaphi; men in kurta and dhoti or everyday clothes |
| Music and instruments | Drums and folk songs, now often with a live band |
How it is performed
- An open ground is lit and the musicians take their place in the centre.
- Women and men join hands to form a large circle, often alternating.
- The circle moves slowly sideways with simple, rhythmic steps in time with the music.
- The dance goes on through the night, with new dancers joining in.
Significance
Thabal Chongba is one of the few occasions in traditional society when young men and women dance together, and it brings whole neighbourhoods out during Yaoshang.