Date : 05/01/2003
Manipur, the source of Indian traditional dancing
By Khaled Al-Enizi
NEW DELHI, Jan 5 (KUNA) -- Arts and cultures vary in the subcontinent of
India, where every village and province has its own traditions and customs and
even its own special dance.
The Indian society is marked by its love for music and dancing which is
distinguished by its colorful adornment, lightness of the movement of the
foot, cheerful music and poetic charm.
Professor of history at the Milia university, Inayat Zaidi, told KUNA that
India is considered a multicultural country with a nation that loves music,
dancing and life.
The state of Manipur, located east of India is the source of traditional
Indian dances, he added.
The Lai-Haraobi dance meaning "frolic of the gods" is one of the most
popular Manipuri dances that talk about a love story between a young man named
"Krishna" and a young lady named "Radha", he continued.
There is a belief that Radha and Krishna were the original authors and
creators of Manipuri Dance.
This Rasa-dance was repeated by Uma and Shiva in Lasya style in Manipur.
After many centuries the same Rasa-dance was performed the third time by two
mortal human beings, princess Toibi and Khamba who later on died in tragic
circumstances.
The dancers make use of certain stylized hand gestures and body movements,
but the face remains blank. (more)
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