Content Details

1.1 Identification of the element

Performing arts

1.2 Name of the element, as used by the community or group concerned

Thabol Chongba

1.3 Short, maximally informative title (including indication of domain(s))

A manipuri dance for young men and women

1.4 Community(ies)/group(s) that recognize the element as part of their cultural heritage

Meitei Bangladeshi Manipuri

1.5 Physical location(s) of the element/how often it is practiced

Komolganj, Moulvi Bazar District, Sylhet Division; On full-moon nights

1.6 Short description (max. 200words)

Traditionally, conservative Kangleicha (Meitei) parents did not allow their daughters to go out and meet young men without their consent. Thabal chongba provided the only chance for girls to meet and talk to boys. In earlier times, this dance was performed in the moonlight accompanied by folk songs. The music is rhythmic beating of drums accompanied by other instruments. It is performed in every locality on all the five days of the festival. As soon as the moon rises over the hills, the flute, drums and cymbals start. The boys and girls in a circle clutch each other's hands with rhythms of music slow and fast, high and low, up and down. If the number is great they may form two or three rows so that everybody and anybody can participate in the dance.

1.7 Domain of the element (select one or more/suggest alternative domain)

Performing arts

2. Characteristics of the element

2.1 Practitioners(s)/performer(s): roles, age, gender, social status, and/or professional category etc)

Mostly young men and women

2.2 Other tradition bearers (individuals/groups and their roles)

2.3 Language(s), register(s), speech level(s) involved

Meitei

2.4 Associated tangible elements ( if any)

Pung, Manipuri Costume

2.5 Associated intangible elements (if any)

Singing - vocal

2.6 How are women and people of other genders associated with this ICH element

This is a time for young men and women to socialize

2.7 Division of labour during the practice of aforementioned ICH element

Women usually provide vocal accompaniment and men play the percussion (ping)

2.8 Customary practices governing access to the element or to aspects of it

Open to all

2.9 Modes of transmission

Community socializing

2.10 Organizations concerned (non-governmental organizations and others)

Manipuri Cultural Complex (Meitei)

3. State of the element (viability)

3.1 Threats to the enactment (if any)

Could be supported to ensure transmission to next generation

3.2 Threats to the transmission (if any)

Lowering of Meitei population

3.3 Threat to associated tangible elements and resources (if any)

Similar

3.4 Viability of associated intangible elements (if any)

Could be supported by transmission through education curriculum.

3.5 Safeguarding measures in place (if any)

Manipuri Cultural Complex, Tareng, Tanu Babu's Museum

4. Data gathering/documentation, Consent and preparation of inventory entries

4.1 Consent of community/group/individuals concerned for data collection with a view to inventorying

PDF attached.

4.2 Restrictions, if any, on use of data collected

5. Resource Person

5.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives

Lubna Marium, Shadhona, Tareng

5.2 Date(s) and place(s) of data gathering

Date :
Place(s) : Komolganj, Sylhet

6. Safeguarding techniques

6.1 Existing safeguarding techniques in the community for the safeguarding of the ICH element

6.2 Suggestions for safeguarding of the ICH element from the community

Increase awareness through social events and educational institutions

7. References to literature, discography, audiovisual materials or archives

7.1 References to/in literature

7.2 Audiovisual materials or archives

Attached

7.3 Discography or archives

Available

8. Modalities for updating the information contained in the inventory entry

8.1 Persons/groups, including community representatives, who compiled the inventory entry

Shadhona

8.2 Consent of community/group/individuals concerned for data collection with a view to inventorying

Tareng

8.3 Date of community consent to include the entry on an inventory

8.4 Present condition of the cultural element

Still maintaining

9. Community suggestions

(a)Brief description of suggestions for safeguarding of the element by community members/experts/holders, if any

(b)Brief description of restrictions on use of data collected, if any