![]() ![]() ![]() The dance steps are said to be inspired by the movements seen in nature, such as the swaying of trees and the flight of birds. Meanwhile, the female performers dance and weave in between the bamboos to the rhythm. The male performers, who are in pairs, hold two bamboo staves and clap them against each other and on the floor rhythmically. ![]() Two bamboo staves are placed horizontally on the ground. The Cheraw performers usually dance in groups of six to eight, though the numbers can vary. The festival is held in March every year, during the period when bamboo trees are cut and left to dry so that they can be burnt to clear the fields for agricultural purposes. ![]() Now, however, the dance is performed on various festive occasions such as the Chapchar Kut, a spring-time festival. Earlier, it was performed as part of rituals to provide peace to the departed soul of a mother who had left her new-born child. The dance is believed to have existed since the 1st century C.E. By Mansee Jain Illustration: Manseee JainĬheraw or the ‘Bamboo Dance’ is part of the great traditions of Mizoram, characterised by the use of bamboo staves to set the rhythm for the dancers. ![]()
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