Dance Music and Ritual in Manipur

Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Lai Haraoba: The ancient ways. 2. Ras Lila: The classical tradition. 3. Life art and ritual in daily life: Traditions for today and tomorrow. Acknowledgements. Bibliography.

Dance Music and Ritual in Manipur, is the first in depth photography book and cultural study on the indigenous faith and performing arts of the Northeast Indian state of Manipur. The research was carried out by myself, Byron Aihara, and took place over a 16 month period (Nov. 2013 to March 2015). The project has received the support of the most respected elders and artists living in Manipur today. Acknowledgments include the Padma Shree awardee, musician Oja Khangembam Mangi, and the esteemed Maibi (female priestess and shaman) of Imphal, Ima Dhoni Amaibi. The contents of the book are curated from over 40,000 photographs and over 100 hours of video field recordings and tapes. The finished books text exceeds 50,000 words.