Mizoram

The third youngest state of the Union - Mizoram, perched on the high hills of north-eastern corner, is an amalgam of the former north and south Lushi hill districts. It is flanked by Bangladesh on the West and Myanmar on the East and South. Mizoram has the most variegated hilly terrain in the Eastern part of India. It is a storehouse of natural beauty with its endless variety of landscape, flora and fauna.

The Mizos belonging to the Mongoloid race, are original settlers of the Shan State of Burma.Two of the tribes, the Lushi and Himar migrated to India and occupied the Lushai Hills. Mizoram was annexed in 1891 by the British as Lushai Hill district and made a State of Indian Union on 20th February 1987 following the historic Mizoram Peace Accord signed between the Central Government and the Mizo National Front in June 1986.

Aizwal, the state capital is the cultural center of Mizos. Festivals and dances of Mizos have an unique appeal, some of the dances are :

CHERAW
This is the most popular and colourful dance of the Mizos. Long pair of horizontal bamboo staves are tapped open and close in rhythmic beats by people sitting face to face on the ground while, girls in colourful costumes of Puanchei, Kawrchei, Vakiria and Thihna, dance in and out between the beats of the bamboo. This dance is performed on almost all festive occasions. The unique style of the Cheraw is a great fascination in and outside Mizoram. As bamboos are used for the dance, people sometimes call it the Bamboo dance.

SARLAMKAI/SOLAKIA
This is an impressive dance, originated from Pawi and Mara communities in the southern part of Mizoram. It is a warrior dance performed to celebrate a victory in war. No song is sung, only gongs , cymbals or drums are used for making beats. Both boys and girls standing in alternate positions dance in circles. They generally wear colourful dresses while the leader is dressed as a warrior.

CHHEIHLAM
People squat around in circle on the floor, sing to the beat of a drum or bamboo , while the pair of dancers stand in the middle, singing the song and dancing along with the music. It is a dance over a round of rice beer in the cool of the evening. The lyrics are spontaneous, on-the-spot compositions, recounting their heroic deeds and escapades and they also praise honored guests present in their midst.

KHUALLAM
Khuallam literally means 'Dance of the Guest'. It is generally performed in a ceremony known as Khuangchawi. A ceremony performed by man of distinction to earn a coveted title of "Thangchhuah". Guests invited to the ceremony enter into the arena dancing Khuallam. Formerly only the men performed this dance but now-a-days both girls and boys take part in this dance. Generally Paundum, a traditional Mizo cloth with black, red, green and blue stripes is wrapped around the shoulders and swayed with the arms as the feet move in systematic steps.

CHAWNGLAIZAWN
This is popular folk dance of the Pawi Community which recently gained popularity all over the State and specially among school children. It is performed for celebrating the trophies brought home by successful hunters. Boys and girls stand in rows and dance to the beat of drums. Shawl used to help the movement of the arms add colour to this dance.

ZANGTALAM
Zangtalam is a polar Paihte dance performed by men and women. while dancing, the dancers sing responsive song. A drummer is a leader and director of the dance. The duration of the dance depends on the drummer.

TLANGLAM
Tlanaglam is performed throughout the length and breadth of the State. Using the music of Puma Zai, there have been several variations of the dance. This dance is one of the most popular dances performed these days by the cultural troupes in various places. Both the sexes take part in this dance.

Related Links : General Information on Mizoram
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