Pung Cholom of Manipur

       Manipur presents a mosaic of traditions and cultural patterns. The classical dance of Manipur stands as one of the famous and distinct dance form. The Manipur School of dancing whether folk, classical or modern is devotional in nature. The dances of the people have a high artistic and aesthetics values and are both ritualistic and recreational in nature. Manipuri dance is purely religious and is claimed to be softest, modest, mildest and the most meaningful dances of the world. Among this different classical dance of Manipur,  Pung Cholom  is one of them.

A stage performance on Pung Cholom

The Pung Cholom is a traditional Manipuri hand beaten drum dance. It is a unique classical dance of Manipur and also the soul of Manipuri Sankirtana, music and Classical Manipur dance. This dance may be performed by men or women and is usually prelude to the Ras Lila. In this style, the dancers play the pung and dance at the same time. Dancers need to be acrobatic and graceful at the same time. The Pung cholom is a very characteristics dance of Manipur. It is based upon the drum known as Pung in Manipur. It assumes an important ritual character, an indispensable part of all social and devotional ceremonies in Manipur.  

 

Photo courtesy:- e-pao-net

Pung is a hand drum from the North east Indian state of Manipur. The Pung has made up of wood and both left and right sides are similar in size. It is cylindrical in nature. It was introduced into the area by King Khuyoi Tompok in the year 154 AD.

Pung Cholom borrows elements from the Manipur martial arts Thang- ta and sarit sarak and also from traditional Maibi dance. The dance is followed by simple rhythm, which builds up to a thunderous climax and its aim is a spiritual experience. Nowadays Pung Cholom of Manipur is famous all over the World.