*Guinness Book of Records adjudicator arrives in Aizawl

*Union minister for Info & Broadcasting Ambika Soni to miss event

Imphal, March 11, 2010: Adjudicator from Guinness Book of Records from London, Lucia Sinigaliesi, has arrived in Mizoram to judge the attempt of largest bamboo dance ensemble in Aizawl to be held in Aizawl as part of Chapchar Kut festival on March 12.

While tourists from outside the state have also started pouring into the capital city, Union minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ambika Soni will not be able to attend the event as she is busy with the Parliament Session.

However, Ambika Soni in its communication with the Mizoram’s minister for art & culture, Zoramsangliana wished that Mizo dancers creat world record.

Hundreds of youths from all over the state have been training for the big day since last year.

Meanwhile, the security forces and police have been told to keep a close watch on any “anti-social” elements so that the event passes without any untoward incident.

Bamboo Dance is the main dance of the Mizos.

Around 11, 500 participants in unique colourful tribal costumes from all walks of life within and outside the state will perform this mega event from 12 p.m of March 12 making it the ‘Largest Bamboo dance’ ensemble.

Adjudicator from Guiness World Records will announce the result at 4 pm on the same day and the certificate will be received by Zoramsangliana, minister on behalf of Mizoram.

According to organiser, a chopper has also been arranged for video recording.

The Assam Rifles Ground not being big enough to hold so many performers at one time, dancers will attempt the world record on the main roads of Aizawl covering a stretch of 3 kilometres, which is expected to make it not only the ‘largest’ but also the ‘longest Bamboo dance’ in the world.

The event is being organised by the Government of Mizoram.

The ‘Bamboo dance’ is the most colourful and distinctive dance of the Mizos requiring special skills and a nimble mind to perform.

The dance is believed to have originated way back in the 1st century A.D., while the Mizos — comprising Lusei, Hmar, Paite, Lai and Mara — were somewhere in the Yunan Province of China, before migrating to the Chin Hills in the 13th Century A.D., and eventually to the present Mizoram state of India.

Some tribes living in South East Asia have similar dance forms in one style or the other with different names.

Newmai News Service