Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh: 10 Remarkable Dances & Their Importance!
Arunachal Pradesh is home to 26 major tribal groups and 100 sub-tribes. The different tribes have their own unique folk dances that reflect their culture and traditions. This famous folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh is performed on festive occasions like harvests, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings. The elegance, dynamic quality, and narrating components of these moves make them an enrapturing experience for the two entertainers and onlookers. But the question is What is the folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh? The answer is The folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh, a state in northeastern India, is called the “Bardo Chham.” It is a traditional folk dance form performed by the Monpa tribe, who are the major inhabitants of the Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
List Of Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh
1. The Rai Tribe Dance
The Raising dance is performed by the Rai tribe. Men and women form two separate parallel lines and hold hands. They move in a circle while singing folk songs. The dance has a fast rhythm and involves vigorous limb movements.
2. Dance of the Adis
The Adi tribe has several folk dances like Dibang, Pasi, Ite, and Mirig. In the Dibang dance, men and women form two lines facing each other. They move forward, backward, and twirl together rhythmically. They sing praise songs while performing.
3. Pasi Dance
The Pasi dance is performed during festivals and rituals of the Adi tribes. Both men and women take part clapping their hands and moving in a circle.
The Ite dance is performed during the Pawn Yamne festival. It involves men and women forming two lines while drum beats play in the background. The Mirig dance is performed during weddings and sacrifices. Men and women hold hands and move in a circular pattern along with drum beats.
4. Buiya
The Buiya dance is a significant folk dance performed by the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is usually performed during festivals and social gatherings. The dance involves graceful movements accompanied by rhythmic clapping and chanting. The dancers wear colorful traditional attire, adorned with intricate beadwork and ornaments. The Buiya dance not only entertains but also serves as a means of showcasing the cultural heritage of the Adi tribe.
5. Aji Lamu
The Aji Lamu dance is a traditional dance form performed by the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.This dance is performed to commemorate the harvest season and to ask for blessings for a good harvest. Men and women dancers create a circle and move in synchronized steps to melodic music played on traditional instruments such as the bamboo flute and drums. The Aji Lamu dance is distinguished by beautiful motions that represent the Monpa people’s delight and thankfulness.
6. Ponung
The Ponung dance is an integral part of the cultural traditions of the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is performed by women during festivals and ceremonies. The artists structure a circle and dance in musicality to the beat of conventional instruments, for example, the gong and the bamboo woodwind. The Ponung dance isn’t just a type of diversion yet in addition a mode for narrating, as the artists order classic stories and legends through their developments. This dance structure perfectly catches the embodiment of the Adi culture and legacy.
7. Yak Dance
The Yak dance is a captivating folk dance performed by the Sherdukpen tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. This dance is inspired by the majestic yak, an integral part of the Sherdukpen community’s livelihood. The dancers wear costumes resembling yaks, with elaborate masks and fur-covered attire. The Yak dance involves vigorous movements and acrobatic steps, symbolizing the strength and agility of the yak. It is a visual treat that mesmerizes the audience and preserves the traditional beliefs and practices of the Sherdukpen tribe.
8. Lion and Peacock Dance
The Lion and Peacock dance is a vibrant and energetic folk dance performed by the Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. This dance is usually performed during festivals and special occasions. The dancers wear colorful lion and peacock masks, representing these majestic creatures. The dance involves intricate footwork, jumps, and spins, showcasing the agility and grace of the dancers. The Lion and Peacock dance not only entertains but also reflects the deep connection between the Mishmi tribe and nature.
9. The Aka Tribe Nolye Dance
The Nolye dance of the Aka tribe is performed during harvest festivals and other rituals. The performers, both men and women stand facing each other forming a circle. They sing folk songs and dance moving forward, backward, and twirling with fast beats making an interesting movement.
10. The Tangsa Tribe Por Gam Dance
The Por Gam dance is performed by the Tangsa tribe during Loku and Dolosi festivals. Prior to the dance, rituals are performed invoking the tribal deities. In the dance, participants both men and women stand shoulder to shoulder forming a long line. They move gracefully forward and backward in perfect rhythm singing folk songs.
Importance Of Folk Dances Of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh’s dances are extremely important in conserving and promoting the state’s cultural history. These traditional dances allow indigenous groups to express themselves, enjoy festivals, and pass along their rich traditions from generation to generation.
- They encapsulate the many tribes’ values, beliefs, and stories, exhibiting their distinct customs and way of life. Dances also help to develop social relationships among communities by bringing people together in joyful celebrations and creating a sense of belonging.
- Besides, these moves act as a type of creative articulation, permitting entertainers to show their capacities, effortlessness, and resourcefulness.
- By keeping these dance structures alive, Arunachal Pradesh jam its social legacy as well as advances social variety and encourages a feeling of satisfaction among its kin.
The famous folk dance of Arunachal Pradesh are a gold mine of social legacy, mirroring the practices and upsides of the native networks. These moves act for of saving and passing on the rich social heritage starting with one age then onto the next. By praising and advancing these customary dance structures, Arunachal Pradesh keeps its social character alive as well as welcomes the world to observe its captivating practices.
