Flavours of Manipur in “Leichan”

Sustaining the staggering heights of grandeur and poise as the first two nights, the third night of the Bengal Classical Music Festival 2015 commenced on a vibrant note with a Manipuri performance by the dance troupe led by celebrated dancer-choreographer Warda Rihab. The production, titled “Leichan”, (an assortment of flowers) depicted a compilation of ritualistic festival dances of Manipur through four different pieces named “Kathokchaba”, “Basanta”, “Goshtha Kreeda” and “Jaya Jaya Deva Hare” respectively. 

The first routine, “Kathokchaba” (meaning 'offering'), portrayed the welcoming rituals and invocations for Lord Krishna that would take his devotees on a holy ride to Sanaleibak, also known as the golden land of Manipur. Following that, Warda Rihab presented a solo “Basanta”, describing the effervescent spirit during the arrival of spring in Manipur. Third in line was “Goshtha Kreeda”, a routine loosely based on the traditional dance drama of Manipur “Sansenba”, also known as “Goshthaleela”. The production concluded with “Jaya Jaya Deva Hare”, a piece inspired by the Kang Chingnaba, otherwise known as the Rathayatra festival of Manipur. Conceived, choreographed and directed by Manipuri dance exponent Bimbavati Devi, “Leichan” was an exemplary portrayal of the remarkable beauty, grace and finesse possessed by Manipuri dance.