Hunphun celebrates 'Virgin Dance'
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, February 18 2015:
Hunphun village, Ukhrul district celebrated one of its most unique festivals of dance called the 'Virgin dance' or "La khanganui" today.
The dance form is performed during every Luira/ seed sowing festival of the year, Mungchan Zimik reports.
Virgin dance is an important dance form for the tribe as it testifies the virginity of a woman openly to the villagers.
Participation is an obligation for the Hunphun damsels.
Those who miss or fail to participate in the said dance would be treated as 'sinners' or in plain terms, 'as a someone who have lost her virginity' .
The Virgin dance is also a Hunphun traditional beauty pageant.
Participants, as a part their tradition, would present themselves bare clothed only with a necklace only called 'Kongsang women wear' .
Modak Hrisheekesh, Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul and Ningshem Vashum, SP, Ukhrul attended the celebration held at the village today.
Speaking on the occasion, Modak Hrisheekesh ensured 24x7 power supply at Ukhrul shortly.
Other traditional competitions like tug of war, pole climbing, open wrestling, Lungher Khangatam and Hunphun got talent would also be held in the evening session of the event.