Know 'Cheraw Dance' Form
Dancing on a high!
INDIA: A name of various cultures, tribes, art-forms. Cheraw or Bamboo Dance is one of the extinct dance forms of India. Let’s have a look.
What is Cheraw Dance?
Cheraw dance, also known as bamboo dance or Chai dance, is a traditional folk dance originating from the northeast Indian state of Mizoram. It is often performed during festive occasions and is an important part of the Mizo culture.The dance is performed on special occasions, such as during festivals or as a part of cultural programs.
Know how Cheraw Dance is performed:
In the Cheraw dance, a group of four or six people hold pairs of bamboo staves, which are laid horizontally on the ground. The performers then clap and step in between the bamboo sticks, and as they do so, the staves are rhythmically moved and struck together in a choreographed pattern. The dancers move in and out of the bamboo sticks, and the pattern of the movements is continuously changed.The dance is accompanied by traditional music played on instruments such as drums, gongs, and cymbals. The Cheraw dance is believed to have originated as a ritual to propitiate the gods and goddesses of fertility and the harvest, and it has since become an important part of Mizoram's cultural heritage.
Mythological believes behind Cheraw Dance form:
There are various mythological beliefs associated with the Cheraw dance form, which is an important part of the cultural heritage of Mizoram.One most popular mythological belief associated with the Cheraw dance is that it originated as a means of warding off evil spirits and diseases. The Mizo people believed that the rhythm of the dance, combined with the sound of the bamboo sticks, could drive away evil spirits and protect the village from diseases and other calamities.
The Cheraw dance gained wider recognition during the 20th century, especially after the formation of Mizoram as a separate state in 1972. It became a prominent part of the cultural identity of Mizoram, and the dance is now performed during various festivals, cultural events, and special occasions.
In recent years, the Cheraw dance has gained popularity beyond the Northeastern region of India and has been showcased in various cultural events across the country and around the world. Today, the Cheraw dance is not only a symbol of the cultural identity of Mizoram but also an important part of India's rich cultural heritage.
