Chheih Lam

Chheih Lam performed in Indianapolis during Chapchar Kut
Etymology	"Dance to the exclamation of joy"
Genre	Folk dance
Origin	Lushai Hills, British Raj. (present-day Mizoram, India)

Chheih Lam is a Mizo traditional dance originating from the Indian state of Mizoram during the early 1900s. ^[1] It represents the spirits of happiness and joy, ^[2] traditionally performed during a cool evening after the day's work was over with a round of rice beer. ^[3] It is now a stage dance typically performed during Chapchar Kut.

History

Chheih Lam originated from the early 1900s and is derived from lines of the song of Puma Zai, a traditional hymn that accompanies Tlang Lam, another Mizo traditional dance. ^[4]

Performance

Traditionally

The dance is typically performed as people sit in a circular formation while the sitters recite chheih songs with the main dancer move with limbs close to the body and crouching low to the ground. As the tempo rose and the excitement increases, people sitting on the floor leave their seats and join the dancer. ^[5] Thus, this dance is also nicknamed as the "Mizo traditional freestyle."

Chheih songs are not lengthy and comprises three stanzas with repetitive words. ^[6] The dance is accompanied by the beats of traditional Mizo instruments such as khuang (drum), dar (gong), and rawchhem (bamboo tubes). The drummer would exclaim upcoming lyrics in advance so that others could continue singing.

Present-day

The Chheih Lam performed today still preserves the act of gathering around in a circle and clapping. The dance itself is more complicated and fast-paced and resembles a romantic hornbill couple dance. The act of singing the chheih songs live are not preserved, rather they play prerecorded chheih songs which are usually sang by a choir. ^[7] Popular choir chheih songs today include Hrangchhawni Rechheih Zai by Ramhlun North Branch YMA Choir, and Ngopa Thlurhnih Zai by Ngopa Cultural Club choir.

References