It feels good to be a Mizo
Mizos dancing their way into the record book on March 12. Photo Courtesy: Shahnaz Kimi
The whole of Mizoram was united for the common cause-organising the World’s Largest Bamboo Dance, writes MAWIA CHONGTHU.
Mizos dancing their way into the record book on March 12. Photo Courtesy: Shahnaz Kimi
The buzz started about a year back, and people were hopeful at first, with the prospect of doing something such as this (organizing the World Largest Bamboo Dance) on a scale as large as this. Some were skeptical. ‘‘Can we even do this?’’ ‘’It’s just a rumor.’’ “It’s just a publicity stunt.” “The organizers will keep all the money to themselves.” “We’re just making a fool of ourselves” and even “There are more important things than this.”
However, as the day for the record attempt drew closer, the rumors died down. The preparations began. For a month, the sounds of the bamboo and music was heard literally everywhere, and it was the only talk on people’s lips. The day drew closer, and the practices and the anxiety increases. Finally, the day arrived.
I was there, amidst the crowd, the pride, the hope and eventually, the celebration. Yes, I had witnessed one of the greatest moments of Mizo history, where literally the whole state was united for a common cause.
The faces of those who had actually danced the dance and now are a part of the history of our beautiful and varied culture – their smiles, their pride and the hope in their eyes will always be on my mind.Not only the people back home, but our brothers and sisters living in other parts of the world – from New Delhi to New York, London to Kuala Lampur – were a part of this momentous occasion, in spirit and prayers, if not in person.
The days after followed with a buzz, and a feeling of pride amongst everyone, especially for the fact that, now, we may have finally made a name for ourselves, in some ways, if not in other. And are no more will we Mizos be just another ‘tribal’ people.
Yes, it feels good to have been there, for this kind of event to have happened in our generation, a generation of great possibilities, a generation that could possibly change the future of the Mizos.
PLace here
