The traditional dances (Jagois) of the Meitei people are recognized internationally for their lyrical fluidity, soft footwork, and spiritual devotion. Unlike dance forms that emphasize sharp percussive stops, Meitei Jagoi flows like meandering water, forming unbroken figures of eight and cosmic spirals.
Ritual Origins and Costumery
From the ancient ritual choreography of the Lai Haraoba to traditional folk celebrations, every subtle movement of the fingers (khut-thek) holds specific symbolic meaning representing cosmogony, creation, nature, and human harmony. Dancers don traditional hand-woven attire—the vibrant Phanek with intricate border patterns (Mayek Naiba) and translucent shawls (Innaphi)—testifying to the rich textile heritage of Meitei weavers.
Through our digital archive, Eikhoigi Puwari collaborates with youth performers and community dance teachers across Bangladesh to document choreography variations and preserve this living heritage for posterity.