Manipur is located in the north eastern part of Indian, surrounded by mountain ranges, is famous for Manipuri dances, which is mainly devotional, lyrical grace,
Lightness of trade and delicacy of hand gestures, set Manipuri dance apart from the geometric structure of Bharatanatyam and the linear quality of Kathak.
There are also some vigorous thadava or masculine items called cholam, in which the dancer leaps whirls and spins on the floor, while keeping rhythm on the drums slung from his neck.
Manipur is a beautiful valley, located in the North East of India. The important items in the repertoire of Manipuri are Ras dances, of which there are four main types which pertain to Krishna and are performed only by women and girls. Lyrical grace, lightness or delicacy of hand gestures set Manipuri apart from the geometric structure of Bharatanatyam and the linear quality of Kathak. The costumes and ornaments in Ras are colourful and glittering.
Apart from the graceful Ras dances, Manipuri has another form called Choloms. These are vigorous Tandava items in which the dance jumps, leaps and while on floor while marking the rhythm on the drum slung from his neck. Important in this category are the Poong Cholom, danced by men holding drums and the Kartal cholom, performed by men or women with cymbals in their hands. The choloms are all part of the Sankeertana of Manipuri, a tradition of singing and dancing directed towards achieving union with Lord Krishna.
