APSC TDO: 50 lesser-known folk dances from Northeast India

Assam

1. Dahal Tungri Sibnai Dance: Performed by the Bodo community
2. Bhortal Dance: A dance form performed by male dancers, often seen during the Bihu festival and rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition.
3. CHONG KEDAM: It is a combating dance form of the Karbis. This dance is performed by a group of male dancers, during Chomonkan festival. A warrior dance is performed keeping in perfect rhythm with the drum beat.
4. BANJAR KEKAN: This dance form is an indispensable part of Chomonkan festival. This dance is held in the outer courtyard of the house and only youngsters can take part in it.The word ‘Banjar’ means a kind of bamboo pole, while ‘kekan’ means dance.
5. Dhuliya Dance: A dance form performed by the Dhulia community, who also play traditional percussion instruments.
6. Sikri-Sikla Dance of Bodos
7. Mwsaglangnai of Bodos
8. Bardwi Sikhla of Bodos
9. Hacha Kekan: Performed by the Karbi community
10. NIMSO KERUNG  : It is a mirthful dance recital presented during the Karbi Chomonkan Festival, held in honour of family members who have passed away. It is somewhat like bidding farewell to their spirit prior to their departure from this earthly world to their permanent abode of rest

Arunachal Pradesh

11. Ponung Dance: Performed by the Adi tribe, this dance is associated with festivals and rituals, featuring female dancers moving in circles.
12. Chalo Dance: A traditional dance of the Nocte tribe, often performed during the harvest festival, with synchronized group movements.
13. Wancho Dance: Performed by the Wancho tribe, this dance is integral to their Ozele festival, celebrating harvest and war.
14. Apatani Daminda Dance: Performed by the Apatani tribe, it marks the Myoko festival, a celebration of friendship and brotherhood.
15. Popir Dance: Performed by the Galo tribe, this dance is associated with the Mopin festival and focuses on seeking prosperity and good harvest.
16. Reh Dance: Associated with the Reh festival of the Idu Mishmi tribe, celebrating fertility, prosperity, and unity.
17. Erap Dance: A martial dance of the Monpa tribe, performed with energetic movements during religious festivals.
18. Ajilamu Dance: Performed by the Monpa tribe, it’s a narrative dance-drama that depicts the life stories of ancient rulers.
19. Rikam Pada: A traditional dance performed by the Nyishi tribe, symbolizing unity and brotherhood among the community.
20. Buiya Dance: This dance, performed by the Digaru Mishmi tribe, celebrates victory in hunting or warfare and is accompanied by traditional songs.

Manipur

21. Thang Ta: A martial art dance of the Meitei community, incorporating sword movements, rooted in ancient warfare techniques.
22. Lai Haraoba Dance: A traditional dance performed during the Lai Haraoba festival, depicting the creation myth according to the Meitei tradition.
23. Churachandpur Bamboo Dance: A vibrant bamboo dance performed by the Zou tribe, showcasing coordination and rhythm.
24. Thabal Chongba: A traditional Manipuri dance performed during Yaoshang (Holi), in which boys and girls dance in circles to the rhythm of drums.
25. Kabui Dance: Performed by the Kabui tribe, this dance is rooted in animist beliefs and often performed during ritualistic ceremonies.
26. Pung Cholom: A drumming dance performed as part of Manipur’s cultural festivals, where the dancers play the pung (drum) while performing acrobatic movements.
27. Luira Dance: Performed by the Tangkhul Naga tribe during the Luira Phanit festival, a celebration of seed sowing and agriculture.
28. Maring War Dance: A dance performed by the Maring tribe, representing the warrior culture of the community and their martial traditions.
29. Chiru Dance: This dance form, performed by the Chiru tribe, celebrates their cultural heritage during major festivals and social events.
30. Mera Houchongba Dance: A traditional dance that symbolizes the bond of brotherhood and unity among the hill and valley people of Manipur.

Meghalaya

31. Shad Suk Mynsiem: A thanksgiving dance performed by the Khasi tribe during the spring festival, expressing gratitude to nature and the divine.
32. Lahoo Dance: Performed by both men and women in traditional attire, the Lahoo dance is part of Khasi celebrations and festivals.
33. Wangala Dance: A harvest dance performed by the Garo tribe during the Wangala festival, marking the end of the agricultural season.
34. Nongkrem Dance: A unique dance performed by the Khasi tribe during the Nongkrem festival, a prayer for a rich harvest and prosperity.
35. Doregata Dance: A playful dance performed by the Garo community, where participants use their heads to knock off turbans of other dancers.
36. Baite Dance: A lesser-known traditional dance of the Baite tribe, performed during community gatherings and festivals.
37. Shad Nohkram: A ceremonial dance of the Pnar tribe, performed during religious ceremonies to honor their ancestors.
38. Chambil Mesara Dance: A form of acrobatic dance performed by the Garo tribe, requiring flexibility and balance, often seen in traditional festivals.
39. Ka Shad Mastieh: A celebratory dance of the War-Jaintia people, performed during the Behdienkhlam festival.
40. Shad Pyllun: A dance performed by the Pnar people of the Jaintia Hills, symbolizing the unity and harmony among the tribes.

Nagaland

41. Chang Lo Dance: Performed by the Chang tribe, this war dance showcases the bravery of the warriors and is performed during community festivals.
42. Kuki Dance: A traditional dance of the Kuki tribe, performed during festivals and rituals to celebrate nature and harvest.
43. Sumi War Dance: A martial dance performed by the Sumi Naga tribe, representing the spirit of war and valor.
44. Rengma Dance: A celebratory dance of the Rengma tribe, performed during harvest and religious festivals, showcasing unity and strength.
45. Zeliang Dance: Performed by the Zeliangrong tribe, this dance is an integral part of their rituals, especially during the Heikham Hoi festival.
46. Angami Monyu Dance: A harvest dance performed by the Angami Naga tribe during the Sekrenyi festival, symbolizing renewal and purification.
47. Ao Chong Dance: Performed by the Ao tribe, this dance is associated with the Moatsu festival and represents the post-sowing celebration.
48. Lotha Tokhu Emong Dance: A traditional dance of the Lotha tribe, performed during the Tokhu Emong festival, marking the end of the harvest season.
49. Yimchunger Dance: A folk dance performed by the Yimchunger tribe, celebrating community and harvest festivals.
50. Phom Dance: Performed by the Phom Naga tribe during Monyu festival, this dance symbolizes peace, prosperity, and social bonding.