Lairembi Khuntarol: The story of humankind & living plants
James Khangenbam *
Folk Dance 'Lairembi Khuntarol' :: Pix - Deepak Shijagurumayum
Lairembi Khuntarol is a manipuri folk dance depicting the mythological story of how human and plants started to exist in the valley of Manipur. In the opening of the dance, the dancers clad in white dress and gold ornaments emerge out in fast movement.
As per the mythological story it was believed that the valley region of Manipur was submerged in water and the seven Sylphs (helloi taret) drained out the water and slowly terrestrial life began to exist in Manipur. In the dance form, seven Sylphs are represented by seven lady dancers. The dance is well choreographed and the movements are aesthetic.
The dance narrates the mythological story in sequence. It is believed that there was once a time when humans lived in close proximity with God.
Evidently, the Supreme Owner decided to take up the task of creating different life forms on earth. Thus, from His very immortal soul, evolved the seven Sylphs (Goddesses), who have been sent down to mother earth to embark upon their divine mission of weaving the wonders of life - to sprout, nurture and groom life on it.
Folk Dance 'Lairembi Khuntarol' :: Pix - Deepak Shijagurumayum
Human life forms have been created, the fruit laden trees start blossoming brightly spreading its fragrance far and wide, bedrocks have been laid and the relic formation for structuring a house have all been set for the settlement of humans and other life forms.
Portraying the events in dance form has been named " Lairembi Khuntarol Chatkoi". The dance form is quite energetic and choreographed in group performance.
Folk Dance 'Lairembi Khuntarol' :: Pix - Deepak Shijagurumayum
* James Khangenbam wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao
This article was posted on July 25, 2015.
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