Mizoram Artists

Mizoram's artists are known for their dances, their love of choir singing and the colourful puan cloth woven in almost every home.

Dance

Cheraw, the bamboo dance, is Mizoram's best-known dance: men tap long bamboo poles together in rhythm while women step in and out between them. Khuallam, danced by guests at a feast, and Chheihlam, a dance of joy, are performed at festivals such as Chapchar Kut.

Music

Most Mizos are Christian, and church choirs and gospel singing are a big part of everyday life. Old Mizo folk songs, sung with the khuang drum, are kept alive at festivals and by the state's cultural troupes, and Aizawl has a busy scene of young pop and rock musicians.

Weaving and crafts

Mizo women weave the puan, a wrap-around cloth with bold patterns; the puanchei is worn on festive days. Cane and bamboo baskets and hats are also made by hand.

Sources

• Mizoram Tourism: Government of Mizoram
• Art and Culture Department: Government of Mizoram
• North East Zone Cultural Centre: Dimapur (Ministry of Culture)
• Indian Culture: the Ministry of Culture's portal on India's arts, crafts and heritage