About

Arunachal Pradesh’s
Major Dance forms
Arunachal Pradesh is a state located in the North-East region of India. It is the
most remote part of India and is known as the land of the rising sun. Any
celebration or festival is incomplete without the traditional dance of Arunachal
Pradesh, as dance is the essence of the culture of Arunachal Pradesh. The folk
dances of Arunachal Pradesh are of various formats, like religious drama dance,
martial arts dance or colourful dance.
1. Aji Lamu folk dance: The group daces are loaded with heaps of entertainment.
The dances cover their faces with many different animal masks and also have lot of props which
are used for the entertainment. Due to these accessories people are enthralled to watch the dance.
Throughout the world this dance has gained popularity not only regionally, but also gained national
and international fame.
2. Chalo: The Chalo Loku festival is celebrated with Chalo dance in Arunachal Pradesh.
People eagerly wait for the Chalo Loku festival. It takes place every year in October and
November. It is celebrated very grandly before harvesting paddy in Arunachal Pradesh by the
Nocte tribe. The celebration refers to a farewell to the past season. People of all ages are open
to the Chalo dance of Arunachal Pradesh. They dance to the beat of drums and people’s songs.
3.Wancho dance: The Wancho tribe performs the Wancho dance of Arunachal Pradesh. It is
performed for recreational purposes. They wear traditional dance costumes. It is performed by both the male
and female members of the tribe. The men dance with a decorated basket of cane hanging around their waists.
The men carry swords in their right hand while dancing. They dance in groups. First, men perform to the beats
of the song sung by them only. They convey a message through the song. Then, women dance to the beat of
the song, which is actually in reply to the men’s song. This is repeated many times. Women dance in two
straight lines while the men dance in circle sync. .
4. Buiya Dance: Buiya dance is one of the most popular dances in Arunachal
Pradesh. People perform this dance at all tribal functions and is practised by the
tribe Digaru Mishmis. Everyone in the family or close relatives performed this folk
dance of Arunachal Pradesh. People consider Buiya as a joyful dance that can bond
people. Festivals like Tanuya, Tazampu or Duiya are celebrated with this folk dance.
People of different ages perform Buiya dance to the beats of the gong and drum.
 Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh is very rich in culture with many tribes and sub-
tribes. Each of them has its own way of dance form. The dance of
Arunachal Pradesh is an essential part of the life of the tribal
community. They dance and sing on every occasion like weddings
or festivals. They pray through their dance for their well being.
Some of them have particular dance costumes. Their dance can be
religious, ritual, drama or recreational. Each dance form is also
characterised by specific instruments and local songs sung by the
tribe members only.