Mizo Bamboo Dance "Cheraw"

The bamboo dance sprang up in Mizoram in the earlier days of the pre-Christian era, which began in 1894 when two Baptist missionaries came to the then Lushai hills district under British India to proselytise the animist Mizos.

As a dance form, Cheraw symbolizes excellence, strength, skill and aspiration. There are hundreds of songs to which Cheraw Kan is performed.


Chapchar Kut is celebrated by the local people of Mizoram in the month of March every year. During the seven whole days of Chapchar Kut the Mizoram people engross themselves into an infinite aura of mirth and merriment. As one of the oldest festivals in Mizoram Chapchar Kut has a distinctive identity.

Dance and music competitions are an integral part of the Chapchar Kut festival in Mizoram. The various tribal communities inhabiting the land of Mizoram perform the local dances wearing colorful dress apparels. It is said that in the ancient times Chapchar Kut was celebrated by the local inhabitants by indulging in drinking sessions. However, with the passage of time the focus of Chapchar Kut has been shifted to music.

The folk music of Mizoram plays a vital role in providing a rejuvenating look to the Chapchar Kut festival. Since the tribal youths of Mizoram are blessed with melodious vocal chords, hence the music performances during Chapchar Kut are the prime attractions of the festival.

Source: mapsofindia.com

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