Lepcha dance from Sikkim

Sikkimese dance troupe performing Lepcha dance during Chapchar Kut festival in Mizoram.

Through this romantic dance, story of a young boy and a girl in love is conveyed. A group of boys ask a group of girls for their hands for the purpose of marriage and in turn promise them with rich gifts and ornaments. The girls, however, turn down the offer and ask them to approach their parents, instead. This colourful dance is performed with the support of melodious Lepcha songs and musical instruments such as Sanga (drum), Yangjey (string instrument), Cymbal, Yarka, Flute and Tungbuk.

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