Raas Leela, Pung Cholom and Lai-Haraoba: the dance tradition of Manipur

Background

Manipur Tourism calls the Raas Leela the epitome of Manipuri classical dance, interwoven with the love of Radha and Krishna as described in the Hindu scriptures.
Raas performances are seasonal and are given at the temple of Shree Shree Govindajee in Imphal and at local temples, generally in an enclosure in front of the temple through the night.
Nupa Pala, otherwise known as Kartal Cholom or Cymbal Dance, is a group performance by male partners using cymbals and wearing snow white ball-shaped turbans; it acts as a prologue to the Ras Lila dances.
Pung, the Manipuri Mridanga, is called the soul of Manipuri Sankirtana music and classical Manipuri dance, and the instrument itself becomes an object of veneration.
Pung Cholom is performed as an invocatory number preceding the Sankirtana and the Ras Lila.
The Maibi Dance belongs to Lai-Haraoba, the annual ritual festival of the Meiteis, the inhabitants of the valley of Manipur; the Maibis are priestesses considered spiritual mediums.
Khamba Thoibi dance is a duet of male and female partners dedicated to the sylvan deity Thangjing of Moirang, and with the Maibi dance and Leima Jagoi it forms the Laiharaoba dance.
The State portal records that Rajashree Bhagyachandra created the famous Ras Lila, the classical dance of Manipur.