What excites you more than the history itself? If you were asked to go in the past to see something you want to see what will it be? For many people, it will be the dance performance of Khamba and Thoibi. According to the folklores of Manipur Thamba and Thoibi danced in the presence of the Thangjing deity for peace and prosperity of the land.
Story of Khamba and Thoibi
In the 15th century AD, there was a prince of the Khumal royal family named Khamba who fell in love with a Moirang princess Thoibi. Even though the union was in favor of both royal families, Moirang Kings refused the marriage proposal on personal grounds. The union did not take place and the love story ended in tragic terms.
The tale of Khamba and Thoibi is sang all over Manipur. In Khamba Thoibi, tales of this legendary hero and his heroine are told.
Dance Performance
Khamba Thoibi is a couple’s dance that is performed very decently and softly. It is said that this dance represents the dance Khamba Thoibi did in front of Thangjing diety.
As it has both love and religious connotation Khambha Thoibi dance is respected by Manipur people. It is a dance of two sad lovers who could not end in unification. Khamba Thoibi can be seen during the Lai Haraoba festival in Manipur.
Costume
Both male and female dancers wear traditional Manipur clothing while performing this dance. They wear a peacock feather on their head. Both men and women wear black tops but different colored bottoms. They also use an extra cloth to tie around their waist.
If you ever visit Manipur and the birthplaces of Khamba Thoibi probably you will be able to find out more about them. They were no Romeo Juliet whose parents were enemies they were the children of royal families that had family terms. But it seems like friends or enemies your parents will never approve of someone you bring home of your own choice.
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