42nd Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi

Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi is an annual dance festival of the Singpho tribe venerated to their forefather "Shapawng Yawng". The Singphos, a significant tribe in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh celebrate Manau Poi in between February 12th to 15th every year in pomp, gaity and with great merriment. The term Poi means "festival", Manua implies "dance", while Shapawng Yawng, their "mythical ancestor". As such, Shapawng Yawng Manau means "festival of dance in glory of Shapawng yawng".  The Singpho myth holds that Shapawng Yawng was the forefather of their community who was the sixth son in order of birth according to the naming custom of the tribe. Further, the tribe believe that Manau (dance) originated from the wild birds. The Manau generally takes place in Manau ground and commences with the unfolding of festival flag by one of the chiefs of the tribe, Duwa Bisa Latnong amid 32(thirty two) gun shots. It is followed by traditional Thunghkring, Gikhin Gunmding and other Manau (dances), performing dances of birds flying in peaceful manner, flying of butterflies, and movement of fishes. All those dances are performed around the wooden pillars erected at the centre of the ground. It is a dance of unity. On the last day, Kumran Manau (separation dance) is performed in the best of their customs and attires as it is the day of departure. Local people prepare ethnic cuisines and served them to the participants and guests with all hospitalities. Rendering folk songs and group displays also form the important activities of the festival.