Assamese Bihu dance

Bihu dance of Assam performed during Chapchar Kut 2015 in Mizoram.

Mizoram, the land of the beautiful Mizo people, is one of the seven sister states of North-east India. One of the oldest festivals of the Mizos held annually in the first week of March is Chapchar Kut, also known as the spring festival of the Mizos.

It is celebrated after the completion of their most laborious task of Jhum i.e. clearing of land through burning. Many people from different parts of the country visit Aizawl to witness and take part in the celebrations.

During the time of festivity, young men get busy preparing the designated place for the celebrations. Young women get busy beautifying themselves. The elderly are busy sitting under the warm spring sun and recollecting their younger days while children are busy running around excited and getting in the way of everybody else. After everything is prepared, the dancing and singing begins.

Some of the famous traditional dances performed during the festivals include ‘Khuallam’ dance, which literally means 'Dance of the Guests'. This dance is performed mainly on the arrival of important guests at the festival. The traditional hand woven Mizo cloth known as ‘Puandum’ is wrapped over the shoulders of the performers and the dance is performed by swaying the cloth.

Another dance that embodies the spirit of joy and excitement is the Chheihlam dance. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of a folk song sung by a local singer, indeed one of the favorite dances. It is interesting to see a large percentage of people present in the audience join in the dance eventually!

Chailam dance is another popular dance performed on the occasion of 'Chapchar Kut'. In this dance, men and women stand alternately in circles, with the women holding on to the waist of the man, while the man places his hand on the women's shoulder. In the middle of the circle are the musicians who play the drums and a mithun's horn.

The dance performed in large groups - Chaw