ORA DANCE OF SINGPHO: Shapawng Yawng Manau Pol is the most revered dance festival of the Singphos to commemorate their ancestor “Shapwang Yawng” During the festival traditional song “Aw-Wang-Wang" is sung glorifying the beginning of the universe, imaginary land (Majol Shingra Rum) from where the Singphos trace their origin, human civilization, the blessed land of the tribe and the existent flora fauna, rivers, mountain etc. of the blessed land.
The beginning of the festival is regarded as the most auspicious day when the sky lights up shining heavenly in the universe. It is believed that all the celestial beings including various spirits (Nats) come down to earth to dance around the Mananu Shadung (Ceremonial Dance Pillars) to invoke the blessing of the Almighty. The energetic and excited youth, damsels, Chiefs, Elders, Ladies, etc. are also coming out adoring themselves with the inherited traditional dresses for dancing in the festival ground to invoke the blessing of our forefathers. In this way, the Shapawng Yawng Manu Poi got started.
During the festival, different types of dance like Sut Manau, Tu Manau, Thung Kring Manau Podong Manau, Kumrum Manau. Kumrah Manau, Thingram Manau, etc. with their own meaning and unique patterns are performed to the tune of O,, Ra. Ra song, flute, and beat of the gong, drum, cymbals, etc so that it reaches the heavenly abode of the spirits. The dance leaders lead the various types of dances followed by the dancers forming two lines.
Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi is celebrated to foster unity and brotherhood among the Singphos living in different parts of the world as well as to invoke the blessing of our forefather Swapawng Yawng.
14 май 2024
