The Idu Mishmi Dance of Arunachal Pradesh consists of fertility dance and ritual dance. In Arunachal Pradesh, Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance is associated with the priestly office, as the Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance was officiated by two priests Chineuhu and Ahihiuh.
The Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance at Arunachal Pradesh is performed by the priests, as well as other dancers who are, generally, three or four in number. The other performers of the dance, besides the priests, are selected from the audience.
Like the other dance performances of Arunachal Pradesh, Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance also demands a lot of decking and ornamentation. Beside the traditional lion-cloth, the performers wear a short-sleeved coat, few bead necklaces and carry a sword and a leather bag. The priests wear a special apron, a head band decorative with cowries and a necklace stud with the teeth of a tiger.
Moreover, the priestess wear a typical Arunachal Pradesh dress, a long sleeved coat, as well as a bead-necklace. Many female dancers dance are said to dance in circle around the priestess.
The Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance in Arunachal Pradesh begin by the priest beating a small semi-globular drum. The fifth dancer dancing in a line with the other dancers, blows a horn bugle. The Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance begins with the priest standing between the other five dancers; the dance starts with the priest singing a invocatory song.
After the dance is completed, the participants of the Idu Mishmi Ritual Dance remunerates the priests with some money. Although the priest does not demand any remuneration, it is customary to pay the priest in cash or kind.
Last Updated on 03 January 2011
