Dance and Music

Dances in every part of India are different. The traditional dances of every state are unique. You can very easily distinguish the folk and local dances of one place from another. The use of props and the way of dancing is different in all parts of India. There are many kinds of dances that are practiced in the Arunachal Pradesh. It is a very lively state and the performing arts are very popular here like the rest of India.

Dance & Music forms an important aspect of the socio-cultural heritage of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The people of Arunachal dance on important rituals, during festivals and also for recreation. The dances of Arunachal are group dances, in which both men and women participate. They can be differentiated on the basis of the occasion and tradition. Occasional dances are the special dances that are performed at specific festivals, and are part of the celebration at abode where as the traditional dances are the one that are not frivolous but are a part of the special ritual which makes them very specific.

Besides these dances there are dance dramas also that are performed by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. These dance dramas are based on the mythological stories and often have a veiled moral. These dance dramas depict narrative stories.

Dances of Arunachal Pradesh comprise the folk dances of different tribes that are inhabitants of the region since antiquity. Wancho Dance is one of them, which is performed by the tribe that calls itself Wancho. This dance is occasional as it is performed at special ceremonies only. Khampti Dance is performed only by Khampti Community. The Buiya Dance and the Ponung Dance is performed by Digaru Mishmis and Adi tribes respectively. Buiya dance is performed to celebrate the prosperity as well as good health of the community.

The dancers’ steps and actions portray a gratitude to God and Goddess while they still feel the merriment of the occasion. On the other hand the Ponung dance is specifically performed by the women of the community to seek blessings of Gods for good harvest.

Chief folk songs of Arunachal, sung on different festivals and occasion:

Ja-Jin-Ja: On occasion of feasts and merriment, during marriages or other social meets, this song is sung. Both men and women sing it in chorus or individually.

Baryi: The song which narrate their history, their religious lore and mythology. It is also a feature of festivals or of important social or religious gatherings.

Nyioga: It is sung when a marriage ceremony is concluded and the bride’s family returns leaving the bride in her home. The theme is that of the joy. It contains pieces of advice to the bride for her future life.

There are some dances such as Igo dance of the Mishmi priests, war dance of the Adis, Noctes and Wanchos, ritualistic dance of the Buddhist tribes, which are specifically male dances. Females are not allowed to take part in these dances.