Sankirtana and Pung Cholom
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The devotional singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur’s Vaishnava community, in which drummers leap and spin while playing the pung.
DevotionalWhere: Manipur (Imphal valley)Occasion: Life-cycle ceremonies such as birth, the ear-piercing ceremony, sacred thread, marriage and death, and religious festivalsUNESCO heritage 2013
| Performed by | Groups of men drummers and singers; women also perform their own forms |
|---|---|
| Costume | White dhoti and kurta with a white turban for men |
| Music and instruments | Pung (barrel drum), kartal (large cymbals) and devotional songs |
How it is performed
- The singers and drummers stand in a circle in the temple hall or the courtyard of a home.
- The devotees offer prayers and the lead singer begins the songs about Krishna.
- The pung players start softly and build up complex rhythms while moving in the circle.
- In Pung Cholom the drummers dance as they play, leaping, whirling and even turning in the air without losing the beat.
- The singing and drumming continue for hours, ending with prayers and the sharing of blessings.
Significance
Sankirtana marks important moments of life in Vaishnava homes in Manipur. UNESCO inscribed 'Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur' on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013.