Cultural Ensembles from Northeastern States Captivate Audiences on the Seventh Day of Nagaland's Hornbill Festival
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Kohima, Dec 7 (NationPress) The silver jubilee edition of the Hornbill Festival taking place in Nagaland's Kisama has transformed into a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity, featuring jubilant dances and traditional performances on the seventh day this Saturday.
The spectators were spellbound by an eclectic mix of performances that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of India's northeastern states.
The Rongmei community initiated the cultural presentations with their enchanting Rangdai Lam, also known as the Hornbill dance, honoring the magnificent bird that represents the festival.
This was succeeded by a performance from the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), which showcased troupes from seven northeastern states.
The Lusei community of Mizoram captivated the audience with the Cheraw dance, a traditional Mizo performance where men rhythmically tap long bamboo poles while girls in colorful attire dance between them.
From Sikkim, the Bhutia community presented the Singhi Chham dance, featuring dancers in lion costumes symbolizing the mythical snow lion.
The Chakma community from Tripura exhibited the Bizu dance, a stunning group performance characterized by smooth circular movements.
The Assamese community mesmerized attendees with the Bihu dance, one of India's most vibrant folk dances, overflowing with energy and enthusiasm.
From Manipur, the Meitei community performed the Lai-Haraoba dance, a traditional dance reflecting the pre-Vaishnavita culture.
The Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh showcased the Taapu dance, a renowned war dance, while the Garo community from Meghalaya impressed the audience with their elegant Wangala dance, celebrating the harvest season.
During the evening session, another cultural troupe from Sikkim performed the Lepcha - Dambrow Zow, a traditional dance form featuring rhythmic steps that symbolize the process of husking paddy rice.
Mizoram’s second cultural group presented the Sarlamkai dance, a warrior dance performed to commemorate a victory in battle.
Another troupe from Arunachal Pradesh showcased the Etor Festival (Adi community), a significant and celebrated festival in the Adi belt, held annually in May and exclusively for males.
Tripura’s second group performed the jhum dance (Chakmas Community), a popular dance that reflects the agricultural practices of the Chakma community, depicting various steps of Jhum cultivation through group formations.
Another group from Manipur presented the Lai - Haraoba Dance by the Meitei community, a comprehensive dance form that symbolizes the pre-Vaishnavita culture, typically performed between the spring and rainy seasons at the Umanglai temple.
The Khasi Community of Meghalaya performed the Harvest Dance in the fields, where the 'Nongshoh Kba' or harvesters create 'Phawar' (Khasi traditional couplets) calling for the wind to disperse the chaffs.
As they return home, families engage in lively celebrations. Individuals in traditional attire dance with joy, enchantment, and delight.
