Mizoram dancers jive into Guinness records

Mizoram`s famous bamboo dance of Cheraw enters into the Guinness world records.

Aizawl: Mizoram`s famous bamboo dance of Cheraw today entered into the Guinness world records with 10,736 people dancing in a 2.5 km area, the largest ensemble ever on the globe.After the performance here, Guinness World Records adjudicator from London Lucia Sinigaliesi announced that Mizoram has made a new world record for the largest and longest dance ensemble in the world.

Sinigaliesi also handed over a certificate of record to Art and Culture Minister P C Zoramsangliana. The total number of dancers in the Cheraw were 10,736 in 671 groups spread between a 2.5 km stretch of the main city road between Sikulpuikawn in the south and Chanmari and in the north as well as inside the Assam Rifles ground. While 2,518 dancers were on the main road, there were 8,224 inside the Assam Rifles ground who performed for eight minutes exclusive of the rehearsals. The dancers included members of Young Mizo Association and students from middle school to college levels. Talking to reporters, Sinigaliesi said though some people in South East Asia also perform the bamboo dance, research suggests Cheraw originated from Mizoram. "To make or break records the dances have to be traditional and performers must wear traditional dresses as done colourfully today," she said. PTI