Cheraw Dance

Cheraw Dance

Cheraw Dance in Mizoram is characterized by the use of bamboo staves which are kept in cross and horizontal forms on the ground. While the male dancers move these bamboo staves in rhythmic beats, the female dancers perform by stepping in and out of the bamboo blocks. Recognized as one of the oldest dances of Mizoram, Cheraw has become an integral part of almost every festival of Mizoram.

It is believed that Cheraw Dance originated as early as in the 1st century AD. Aptly supported by two bases, the bamboos are clapped together on a particular beat by the male dancers. The females who have a perfect sense of timing, dance gracefully by stepping in and out of the crossed and horizontally laid bamboo staves.

The common costumes worn by the female performers during the Cheraw Dance include Thihna, Vakiria, Kawrchei and Puanchei. All these traditional costumes of Cheraw Dance come in vibrant colors that further brighten up the surrounding environment.

In the ancient ages, Cheraw Dance was performed with the hope of providing solace to soul of a deceased mother who had left her newborn child on earth. However, today, the horizon of Cheraw Dance has expanded considerably. In fact this dance is performed on every big and small occasion of Mizoram.

More often than not the various movements made by the Cheraw dancers are inspired by the nature. While some expressions of Cheraw Dance resemble the swaying of trees some others indicate the flying of birds. There is no denying the fact that Cheraw Dance is surely a most enchanting form of Mizoram culture.