Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, organised ‘Bharat ke rang’, a programme of cultural performances of North-eastern states in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. Artists from Manipur, Assam and Meghalaya performed folk and tribal dances in this programme. The programme started with lighting the lamp ceremony. Director, IGRMS, Prof. Sarit Kumar Choudhuri in his address explained students the revilization work of cultural activities done by the museum along with taking its approach to different institutions through outreach programmes.
The dance presentation began with ‘Kabui and Dhol Cholam Dance’ of Manipur. The Kabuis, inhabiting the western hill ranges of Manipur, have a rich tradition of dance and music and are well known for their exquisite costumes. During the Gang-Ngai festival, the Kabuis perform a series of dances in different stylized forms, accompanied by the sound of heavy drums and high-pitched songs. The boys wield sharp weapons (daos) in their hands and move around in circles along with girls dressed in traditional costumes. The Shim Lam Dance and the Kit Lam Dance are some of dances of the Kabui Nagas. The Shim Lamdance is also known as the Fly Dance. 
The second performance was world famous Bihu Dance of Assam. The most important festivals of Assam are the Bihus, celebrated with fun in abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, and belief. his joyous dance is performed by both young men and women, and is characterized by brisk dance steps, rapid hand movement, and a rhythmic swaying of the hips in order to represent youthful passion. Dancers wear traditionally colourful Assamese clothing. The most important and colourful of the three Bihu festival is the Spring festival "Bohag Bihu" or Rangali Bihu celebrated in the middle of April.
Basanta Rass - The Basant Raas Lila, the epitome of Manipur classical dance reveals the sublime and transcendental love of Krishna and Radha and the Gopis devotion to the lord. Basanta Raas may be termed as a dance drama of Manipur. In the full moon night of Chaitra (March-April) Shri Krishna comes to the appointed grove (Kunja), the gopis led by Radha respond to the call of his flute and they dance together. They play holi with coloured abir and finally their union (milan) and sambhoga of Shringar Ras.
 

Date: February 2, 2015