Lai Haraoba – The Captivating Tradition Vibrant Essence of Dance
Lai Haraoba Folk Dance Of Manipur
Manipur is protected from external influences due to its geographical location. All his art and culture is pure in its raw form. Yes, some of it has changed but not lost its original style. The roots of Lai Harabo can be traced back to pre-Vaishnavite times. La Harab is an early dance that later became the basis of other dances. Lai Haraoba means “joy of the gods”. The dance is based on the ritual of worshiping the god by singing and dancing.
The Lai Haraoba Festival was established by the Meetei (also spelled meitei) people to host Umang Lai worship. Umang Lai is a traditional believer of Sanamahism (religious meeting). Lai haraoba is celebrated in Manipur, where the Metei people live, and in neighboring countries such as Assam, Myanmar, Tripura, and Bangladesh.
About The Lai Haraoba Festival Of Manipur
Lai Haraoba is an essential festival in Manipur that celebrates the honor and veneration of local gods and ancestors. This festival is generally celebrated by the Meitei community and is also known as the “Festival of the Gods”.
During this festival, people worship Sanamahi, Pkhangba, Nongpok Nimgthou, Leimarel, and about 364 Umang Lais or forest gods. The festival is designed to commemorate God’s involvement in the creation of the world and to celebrate the development of plants, animals, and humans.
History Of The Lai Haraoba Festiva
Legend has it that Guru Sidaba was once the greatest master living in the dark void, who saw the world and made his mark to create it. So the whole purpose of this mission is not to forget the creation of the universe. Also, according to some rumors, the ceremony was first held in the Koubru Ching.
ACTIVITIES
During this festival, villagers dance on their idols as part of their rituals and also worship their gods, goddesses, and ancestors for blessings. where people live the lives of Khamba and Toibi, where movies about heroes ej and the like are made At night, the god travels around the area with litters and entertains the worshipers.
Lai Harabo Festival
The Metei people spread all over Manipur. During the festival, celebrations are held on the nearby grounds. There is no set date for arriving in Harab. Between February and June, the shrine sets the dates for the festival. The festival can be celebrated for as short as three days or as long as a month. The timing of the celebration also depends on the area in which they are held. Music and dance are an important part of this festival.
Lai Haraoba Folk Dance
The Raiharabo Festival is famous for its wonderful activities for the gods. The famous Manipur Las Laila dance originates from the Leh Labo dance. The beginning of the dance shows the beginning of the world and how faith was created. The songs of the dance show Lejarabo reflect the glory of the gods living in the temple.
Mybis starts with a dance that anyone of any age can participate in. Anyone, player or not, can participate. Maibee groups also dance to attract Christians. A banana leaf and some presents are placed in the middle. Mavis’ dance is announced. Start with every part of the body, from the eye shape to the line drawing.
A child was born. Then take care of the baby while meeting its basic needs. The babies grow up and need clothes, and the slopes come back to grow cotton, which is then made into clothes. To protect the child, they built a house, made a mold and prepared clay for painting the walls. The children grow up to fish, and it is a romance to fish here. Complex rituals have a material component. Raiharabo Dance is not just a dance, it is a dance performance performed during the festival. There are six dance forms: Shekmai haraoba, kakching haraoba, moirang haraoba and kanglei haraoba. Andro Haraoba and Chafka Haraoba.
Performance of Lai Haraoba
Maibas (priests) and maibis (nuns) are the main performers of the dance. Both of these show the creation of the world. Anyone in the community can participate in the ritual dance. While some dances are limited to maibis and maibas, others are flexible as others wish to participate.
Costumes of Lai Haraoba
Maibas and Mai bis dressed in traditional clothing along with other dancers. Complete clothing includes floral skirts, head feathers and other jewelry, and traditional clothing. Everyone celebrates the holiday by wearing colorful clothes that represent the happiness of the community. 30 days of celebration may seem long, and 5 days may seem short, but in any case, you will not connect lai haraoba events. This is not a celebration to please God but represents the entire society, their culture, and their beliefs.If you are in Manipur from February to June, be sure to witness this festival.
Musical Instruments of Lai Haraoba
Musical instruments play an important role in Lai Haraoba dance. The Lai Haraoba orchestra consists of large drums, gongs, bamboo flutes, the ‘Manjira or small cymbals’, and the ‘Pena’, a stringed instrument from Manipur. The indicator is made from a coconut that has been split in half. After making an instrument, he made a “Sarangi”-like effect.
FAQs Of Lai Haraoba
Q1. What is Lai Haraoba Folk Dance of Manipur?
Lai Haraoba is a traditional folk dance of Manipur, a state in northeastern India. It is a vibrant dance form that is performed to worship and celebrate local deities and ancestors.
Q2. What is the significance of Lai Haraoba in Manipuri culture?
Lai Haraoba holds great cultural and religious significance in Manipur. It serves as a way to honor and venerate the gods, commemorate the creation of the world, and celebrate the harmony between humans, animals, and nature.
Q3. How long has Lai Haraoba been celebrated in Manipur?
Lai Haraoba has a long history and can be traced back to pre-Vaishnavite times in Manipur. It has been celebrated for generations as a cherished cultural tradition.
Q4. Which gods or deities are worshiped during Lai Haraoba?
Lai Haraoba involves the worship of various deities, including Sanamahi, Pkhangba, Nongpok Nimgthou, Leimarel, and around 364 Umang Lais or forest gods.
