Folk dance of Assam

Just finished the Assam part of our twenty day North East tour of India and what stands out in that leg was the cultural program that we attended on the second day. 

What I found good about it was its rustic touch keeping all the original folk dances as it is. 

No keyboards or electronic trappings but sticking to the original instruments of peti (Harmonium) tabla, flute and cymbals. 

There was even a scene where the girls remove one of their hair adornment and use it to produce music by blowing on it. 

I remember this being used as part of the musical score in the old Hindi songs especially by S D Burman.     

All the performers kept a smiling face and there was lot of energy enthused when they performed.  

This girl performed a solo dance with some classical dance moves. 

The famous bamboo dance was performed last and all were in awe at the ease with which the girls hopped in between those fast moving bamboos. I listed it first in the 14 minute video that I made. 

  

The harvest dance was very peppy and it was nice to see the guys jumping around with their axe and sickle. 

This boy on the flute was multitalented and sang some of Bhupen Hazarika songs.

During the introductory song, Prasenjit Duarah showed us the use of all the different forms of the drums. 

Throughout the program these five boys provided the music with perfection. 

The tribal dance was done by a different set of girls who joined in the chorus singing. 

The audience were also invited to join in, and they did a good job once they got the rhythm of it. 

The thali dance had me really baffled as I kept wondering how the thali did not fall off. 

Some of the audience showed their appreciation by speaking a few words after the program. 

All in all it was a good and entertaining program and my suggestion is that it is something one should not miss if you are in Kaziranga.

Next blog: The animals of Kaziranga 

Luira Phanit

The Luira Phanit is the biggest cultural festival of the Tangkhul Naga Tribe. I had the opportunity to witness and cover the festival which was held in Pune this Sunday.  

Before the program started, all were served with lunch. Those who love Naga food will enjoy it.

One of the guests interacting with the host.

The program started off with the seed sowing ceremony which was performed by young boys and girls. 

These guys with the spears were very agile. The way they were jumping off the ground, I thought they would not need a running start for the Fosbury Flop. (if they ever took part) 

This was part of the dance. Could be that the guard is keeping his ear to the ground to detect any approaching threat.

Seen here is Rock Lungleng the event co-ordinator receiving one of the guests.

I enjoyed the strumming and the singing by these couple. Most of them were folk songs. 

Omega Phazang and Singyophy Hongchui

Vareiya, Pampamloi, Depend, Timdharla

Rafealla Pheirim and Gilbert Ragui

Mr & Mrs Yarngam Phazang

Guru Rewben Mashangva is known as the king of the Naga folk blues. He has a way with the audience and keeps them engaged with a few jokes here and there. 

Then came the competitive games and what better way than to start off with the pork eating competition. 

As per the compere, last year’s champ has retained the title, and guess what the prize was ? One more free round of pork !!!  While he was munching the prize, he casually remarked that he was the champ in 2016 too. 

There was this guy doing the stand up comedy. Even though I did not get the jokes, I could see that the audience were in splits.  

The sighui kaphung (wooden stick race) may look simple but locking the stick with the legs and walking with the hands is no easy task. 

Hopping on one leg and knocking off the opponent was a matter of wits combined with a little bit of force. The last one standing was declared the winner. 

For the arm twisting, there were some girls too who were willing to try out their muscle power.  

Bare hand wrestling was for the tough guys and our pork eating champ tried his might here too. 

The first session closed with a round of tug of war. I am sure all of them had blisters on their hands on the next day (at least those who tried real hard) 

 The Gents winning Team

The Ladies winning Team

There was a break and the evening session started off with rock music.

Phapha Gachul and Rewben took over and rendered some good folk music. You can see her performance in the video.

Incidentally  Phapha was Miss Manipur in 2016 

She also did the choreography for the Fashion show.

 I got some pics of them on stage

 but the one I got off stage was better (maybe because most of them were smiling)

There were more singers and more stand up comedies. I liked Thangmeiso Shinglai's style of singing. He also made it a point to interact with the audience. 

A special mention should be made about the compares who did a good job of holding the program together.

As the program was winding up I saw this mother tying her baby to the back. Such a simple procedure with the baby snug and secure and the mother happy to have both her hands free.  

Made a seven minute video on the games. More videos coming up.  
Meanwhile here is a one minute Trailer on the complete episode.