The beauty and unique style of Monipuri Dance

One of the major ethnic communities of Bangladesh are, Monipuris. Monipur the Northeast state of India is the original home of Monipuri people. Due to wars, conflicts and other socio-political reasons Manipuris migrated to Bangladesh area and settled here at different times. At present they live in different places of Sylhet Division.

Manipuri culture has a rich and colourful tradition. Dance and music play a vital role here. In Monipuri culture ‘Dance’ is considered as the most vibrant and flourishing branch. Rasa dance, innovated by ‘Maharaj Bhagyachandra’ is the finest creation of Monipuri culture. The dance form is based on Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raas Leela. It is an important part of the traditional Manipuri culture. When the dancers perform the Raas Leela, it symbolizes the spiritual love for Lord Krishna. This dance is unique not only in terms of character but also costume. The female costume is consists of embroidered stiff skirt, light muslin garment on top, white veil and traditional jewelry. The male characters dress in a dhoti (also called dhotra or dhora). The Krishna character wears acrown containing peacock feather.

After the British period through the efforts of the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the classical Monipuri RaasLeela dance genre got a second life. In 1919 when he was visiting Sylhet, he first witnessed the beautiful Monipuri dance. He was very impressed. So he introduced teaching of the Monipuri dance at Shantiniketan.

Variations of Monipuri dance can be grouped into two broad classes: folk dance and shastriya or classical dance. Manipuri folk dance includes Laiharaoba (meaning "the joy of God" in Manipuri), Khamba-Thoibi, Meibi Jagoi and Leisham Jagoi, While Rasa, Gostha leela, Udukhol and Mridanga fall under the classical group. Laiharaoba is full of elegance, grace and a gesture of dedication. Thyang-Ta, Mridonga dance and some forms of Shri Krishna Nartan display boundlessness of the emotions of life. Khamba-Thoibi dance demonstrates a balanced combination of Tanva (forceful form) and lashya (gentleness).

Monipuri dance is characterized by gentleness, tenderness and devotion.

Written by Dipita Chakma