Huyen Lallong

The Huyen Lalong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association was founded in 1958 under the patronage of Guru G. Gourakishore Sharma, an esteemed recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Over the last 46 years of its existence, the objective of this organization has been to impart knowledge of the traditional martial arts or Thang-Ta to the younger generations and to have performances that are true to the spirit of this artistic tradition.
According to Manipuri tradition, the Thang (sword) and Ta (spear) were symbolized as mother and father god respectively, and the entire world is believed to have been created by the use of these two instruments arranged in certain specific movements and steps. In recent times many items from the Thang-Ta repertoire have been produced and staged in solo and group performances.

Folk forms to be performed:

Thang-Ta

Ta Khousaba (duel-spear dance)
In this dance the performer holds a spear in one hand and a long shield in the other and then goes through certain movements. An introductory slogan is used before the dance (a group or solo performance) begins. A particular Khousarol would reveal the different stages in the hunting and catching of wild animals as presented through jumps and thrusts of the spear.

Thang Apunba Haiba

In this form a group of five swordsmen using two swords each, display their skill through specific movements.
Thang Chungoi Yanba (duel fighting with sword and shield)
This is the art of dueling with a sword and a shield. The experts in this form protect themselves from the attacks of the opponent by a fascinating skill in the use of the shield.
Thang Yannaba (duel with double swords)
This style of fighting shows the skill of two expert swordsmen, each handling two swords.
Artists in these performances are adept at the using both hands with equal skill and accuracy.
This form of dueling can also be seen in many big festivals and royal functions.
Thang Ahum Yanaba (triple fighting)
In this form one sees a single man fight against two men. The warrior holds swords in both hands and defends himself against the other two warriors who hold a sword and a shield each.
Thangjou Ani Yanaba ( dagger duel)
The duel in this form is between two men who hold a dagger each. It comprises of a short sequence infused with skill, movement, alertness and grace.
Thang Leiteng Haiba (decorated sword-play)
This is performed by a skilled swordsman who goes through different steps of this particular form of marital art. Through the motions and expertise of the dancer the act of fighting is transformed into a skilled form of dance and elegance.The group will also be putting up a performance of Ta-Thang Yanabba.

Contact:
Huyen Lallong Manipur: Cultural Association, Irilbung-795008 03852571571
Joy Kumar Singh 09856147308

* Programme subject to change

Venue: NSD Premises Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, ND-1
Enquiry: 011-23389054 (23389402, 23382821 Ext. 37)