From Crisis to Opportunity: Thabal Chongba Reclaims Its Cultural Soul

Laishram Welkim Singh *

Thabal Chongba Reclaims Its Cultural Soul

For generations now, Thabal Chongba - the colorful moonlight dance of Manipur — has been not merely a celebration but a sacred cord binding together love, tradition, and community. But this beloved cultural practice faced gradual erosion in recent years.

The traditional spirit got watered down with modern influences: it was common to see participants wear casual clothes instead of traditional ones, and the group itself became an excuse for getting together to party, with alcohol and tobacco use. The dance, formerly a revered social ritual, risked devolving into merely another gathering.

But today, Thabal Chongba is going through a mighty renaissance — and, in doing so, a reclamation of authenticity and cultural significance. After the brief and painful suspension of all festivities in the wake of Manipur’s 2023 conflict, its return has also been marked by a renewed commitment to its roots.

In an effort to restore its holiness, organizers have taken considerable care to ensure that only people dressed in traditional attire are allowed in. This choice was a reassertion of identity, not just a matter of taste.

The community made it very evident that Thabal Chongba is more than just a dance; it is a liveculture that must be respected by requiring traditional attire. Not only has this simple but profound rule restored the original soul of the dance, but it has created a culture of discipline and pride among youth.

Before the turmoil of 2023, Thabal Chongba faced a dilemma. Globalization and changing social mores had already begun to erode its cultural identity. Young dancers showed up with jeans and t-shirts, a far cry from the elaborate phaneks and innaphis (shawls) that used to adorn participants of the dance — a reflection of contemporary fashion trends.

But even more concerning was the encroachment of alcohol and tobacco, transforming a formerly dignified ritual of courtship into a raucous event. Elders bemoaned the erosion of decorum, while cultural stewards worried that the dance’s richer legacy — as a vehicle for respect, unity and tradition — was spiraling away.

The impact has been striking. No more half-hearted participation and disorderly conduct. Thabal Chongba, today, young men and women dressed in colourful phaneks and Feijom(traditional male attire) swaying under the moonlight, just like our ancestors. Not only did the enforcement of cultural dress return visual accuracy but it also a sense of belonging within the participants.

Traditional musicians and craftspeople who suffered throughout the conflict have also benefited economically from this renaissance. Many artists lost their main source of revenue when the celebrations were halted for more than a year. Their craft has been reinvigorated by Thabal Chongba's return, now with increased cultural pride.

The revival of the dance is sustaining livelihoods and conserving cultural legacy, from the drummers who set the beat to the weavers who make the beautiful costumes. For traditional musicians and craftspeople who suffered during the conflict, this renaissance has also provided financial respite.

For more than a year, the celebrations were halted, which caused many musicians to lose their main source of revenue. With a renewed sense of cultural pride, Thabal Chongba's return has brought their skill back to life. From the weavers who make the beautiful clothing to the drummers who set the beat, the dance's comeback is sustaining livelihoods and conserving cultural heritage.

Although this cultural awakening is praiseworthy, there are still issues. Threats still include urbanization, the attraction of contemporary entertainment, and the requirement for improved Manipuri tradition archiving. Nonetheless, the community's proactive efforts, like incorporating Thabal Chongba into youth education and promoting it online, give hope for its long-term resurgence..

Thabal Chongba’s renaissance is a bit of a history lesson in the durability of Manipuri culture. It has come back from the brink of dilution, emerged stronger, proving in the process that even in times of crisis, tradition can find a way to both endure — and thrive.

By returning to its roots, Thabal Chongba is not merely protecting a dance form; it is preserving the soul of a people.