Dhimsa

Another festive dance prevalent in Manipur is Dhimsa performed by the Kacharis. Young boys and girls attired in their traditional colorful costumes present the dance on festive occasions. The boys and girls dance in pairs. Musical instruments used with the dance are : Kharam, a long cylindrical drum with two faces; and Meri, a reeded wind instrument made of wood and with a very widely flared bell at the end like the French horn. It is played continuously without any break for inhalation. The Meri player while blowing the pipe inhales simultaneously. The mastery of playing the pipe comes after long practice. An expert Meri player can play continuously for hours without any break in the blowing.