Dashavatar~ Dance Performance by:

~Dance Performance by: ‪@mithila_la_la‬
Dashavatar means the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu—Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki.

In Manipuri Ras Lila and Nata Sankirtana, the Dashavatar theme is performed as a dance-drama.

Each avatar is represented with distinct costume, movement, rhythm, and mudras that match the nature of that incarnation.

Matsya (fish) → Flowing, wave-like movements.

Kurma (tortoise) → Slow, grounded postures.

Narasimha (lion-man) → Fierce, energetic gestures.

Krishna (eighth avatar) → Central to Manipuri culture; performed with mridanga, pung, and devotional songs.

🎶 Music & Accompaniment

Performed with Pung (Manipuri drum), kartal (cymbals), and devotional singing.

The rhythm changes with each avatar to show its distinct mood (rasa)—from calm to ferocious.

🌸 Cultural Importance

Introduced in Manipur during the 18th century, when Vaishnavism became a dominant spiritual practice under King Bhagyachandra.

The Dashavatar theme is often staged during Ras festivals, religious gatherings, and cultural programs.

It serves as both storytelling and spiritual devotion, blending Manipuri aesthetics with Hindu philosophy.

👉 In short: The Dashavatar Manipuri Dance is a devotional performance that retells Vishnu’s ten incarnations through Manipuri’s graceful dance language, rich costumes, and rhythmic music.

#manipuriculture #dashavatar
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#dance