Introduction to Gumrag Dance

Geographical Context and Origin

The Gumrag unique traditional dance is the Major traditional dance of Mising tribe lives in northeastern state Assam India. We should know the history, culture and spatial environment of the Mising tribe in order to understand the origin and geographical setting of this dance. The Mising are a people of Tibeto-Burman origin, residing mostly in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. Their population is concentrated in the districts of Assam, especially in Majuli, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji, Golaghat.Gumrag dance is a traditional dance, which is closely related to the Mising tribes traditional lifestyle, their religious beliefs and agriculture-based environment. This dance is primarily performed during their major festival Ali-Aye-Ligang which symbolizes the arrival of spring and a new cycle of agricultural activities. The Mising community unravels within this dance the richness of its craft and its admiration and acknowledgement to nature. As the birth of Gumrag dance involves farming, it also represents agricultural festival more or less.Gumrag dance of Mising tribe of Assam. Mising are one of the big tribes of Assam, that traditionally lived along the river Brahmaputra. As part of Ali-Aye-Ligang, the main festival of the Mising community, Gumrag dance is actively performed at the commencement of new paddy cultivating cycle and to offer prayer to Mother Earth for the fertility and abundance. It is a five-day festival. The festival starts each day with each family visiting their respective fields and throwing a handful of seeds while offering prayers to ancestors for better yields. As soon as this sowing is finished on symbolic ground, the Misings get united wearing brilliant people garments to play out the 'Gumrag dance: The Gumrag is a gathering dance performed with the beat of conventional drums and cymbals. In the courtyard of the easternmost house in the village, the dance begins. The dancers then go around each house, one by one, doing the dance in the courtyard outside.Gumrag dance is often performed in open areas, specifically in the fields and courtyards surrounding the villages, in terms of geography. As the Mising community as a whole, predominantly resides in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley region of Assam, this dance is immensely impacted by the climate, land environment and natural resources of that particular region. The Mising people settled on the banks of Brahmaputra River lead a lifestyle revolving around agriculture, which also relies on rain soil and water. Therefore, this is where the climate and environmental situation of this region are also a reason for the impact on the Gumrag dance.Based on the cultural history of Mising tribe, their original place of origin was the area of Tibet and the Himalayas, from where they migrated gradually to settle in Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. The Mising community who came to Assam during the same migration were able to retain most of their traditional religious and cultural beliefs. One of such cultural heritage is Gumrag dance, they did not let this move out of their identified geographical area. Due to the geographical aspect of this dance of Gumrag dance, the style and structure of this dance is also essential to note. The abode of Mising tribe is in flood prone areas, they build traditional houses (Chang-ghar) upon bamboo poles hence, the forms of structure and lifestyle also reflect in their dance form. The body position as well as the moves in this dance represent the living of bamboo, river and hilly land. As the dancers release their hands and feet to a harmonious choreography, they mimic river waves, farming and natural processes.Gumrag dance also has cultural and religious aspects and its significance also can be cited separately geographically. With this dance the Mising tribe pays obeisance the nature and agricultural deities. It is accompanied with traditional musical instruments like dhol adding to the rhythmic flavor of the dance. It is not simply a form of entertainment, however, but a platform signifying communal unity and social solidarity.Gumrag dance and its historical and geographical connection is mostly related to the traditional life of Mising tribe. It is directly associated with the physical scenery, weather and socio-cultural background of Assam. It is derived from agriculture and appreciation of nature. Mising tribe preserves their culture with cultural programs and religious rituals and in these rituals Mukoli dance has an important role.Gumrag dance is not only simple dance but is a continuation of living tradition, is expression of the society, religion and culture of Mising tribe. Gumrag dance is one of the principle traditional dance of Mising tribe of Assam and it is one of the significant part of heritage and lifestyle of this particular tribe. Located geographically on the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, Mising community has been settled in this part of the country for centuries. As floods and rivers are very common in this region life of the Mising people is water-based and agricultural. The built their homes on high bamboo piles, Chang Ghar, protected from floods. The lifestyle of these people is primarily agriculture-based (i.e. They primarily cultivate paddy, vegetables and other crops) and Gumrag dance has an important place in many festivals and rituals associated with agriculture.

Dance, Gumrag Context: The cultural context of Gumrag dance – Ali-Aye-Ligang is the most significant festival of the Mising community. This festival is celebrated every year in the month of February or March which signals the onset of spring season and sowing of crops. This dance is performed in the context of this festival, in which Mising (a tribe) people perform in a collective form to show their faith and happiness with the song and dance to the nature & Ancestors to thank them. The Gumragdance involve men and women joining hands in a circular group and dancing, hinting towards unity and collectivity (Tsukuyomi Kons) Such a dance mimics the agricultural manual and process involved during the sowing of the crops, and therefore directly linked to their agricultural life.Khalong songs about feelings related to life, love, nature and agriculture are also sung in traditional Mising after the Gumrag dance.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The rich cultural heritage of Assam includes several types of cultural dance and, of these the Gumrag dance which is known to be among the most influential cultural dance of Mising community. The historical background of this dance not only puts light on the origin and history of this dance but also depicts how this dance has become an indispensable part of the cultural and social life of the Mising society.The Mising are an indigenous Tibeto-Burmese speaking community settled in the regions of Assam. Their cultural traditions with dance-songs are an integral aspect of their tribal life. Gumrag dance has also derived origin from this cultural tradition.Effect and Gumrag dance is primarily relevant to agriculture and climatic changes. The meaning of this dance primarily symbolizes happiness and gratitude for a good harvest, successful agricultural work and good weather conditions. Historically, Mising society has remained closely linked to its agricultural way of life and natural resources. The relationships that both the partners develop have a cultural expression in the form of the dance called Gumrag; therefore, it is an integral part of their social and cultural identity.Gumrag dance is an ancient form of tradition. Historical records reveals that the simpler styles of Gumrag dances already existed in the olden days, when the Mising people would assemble and perform group dances, applauding their agricultural works and seasonal festivals. And this dance is also uniquely made up of its traditions and its rituals which related, These traditions and rituals in this dance are related to natural phenomena and festivals in localmost village.Mising fought many struggles to save their cultural identity from the hand of various rulers and empires when they were dominant in Assam in 17th and 18th centuries. Around this time, Gumrag dance was incorporated into local festivals and events. Such dance was prominently programmed in many community events and occupies an important space in the cultural life of the Mising society.The tradition of Gumrag dance still remained almost the same during the Time of British rule, when the process of colonization was happening in India. However, with the colonial administration and the external influences, some cultural changes have been noticed in Gumrag dance but it was successful in retaining its traditional structure and the form.But in the new cultural lifestyle after independence, phenomenon of Gumrag dance occupied certain place. With its local and international platforms, it had become a recognized player in the realm of cultural tourism and art. Therefore, the traditional Knowledge of Gumrag dance states its significance in the cultural heritage of Mising people and they still keep its inheritance alive.The history of Gumrag dance is not only related to its traditions; it is also successful in retaining its identity over the years amid the changing situations of society.Gumrag dance which bear the prominence of most of the features of cultural tradition of the Mising community has multiple dimensions in terms of its significance from cultural point of view and has its deep rooted importance as the dancing forms are closely associated with the numerator in terms of cultural life or interpersonal social structure of the society. There are many ways in this dance show its cultural importance such as its role in historical preserve, social solidarity and cultural identity.The Gumrag dance is an important part of the culture of the Mising people. It is a dance that expresses their cultural history, traditions, and folk life. Respect for the ancestors and cultural memory of the Mising community is carried through this beautiful dance. This is more than a cultural communication, this dance preserves the norms of the community. Gumrag dance is largely linked with agrarian and seasonal practices. This dance is performed in celebration of good harvest, the success of agricultural work, and the good weather. This form of dance reflects the happiness of the whole community during festivals and also it is done in gratitude. This making it particularly played to celebrate agricultural festivities and seasons of the year, thus relating this dance to the natural cycles of economy and climate.Mising dances like Gumrag dance encourages social unity and binds the people of the community together. Everybody engaging in this dance dance in unison, filling the stirrings of the community. This form of dance is linked to social functions and festivals, which supports the process of bonding. Various tribal groups come together during the dance, and the dance reaffirms solidarity and indeed social support with each other.Due to its uniqueness and cultural heritage status, gumrag dance has also an important place in cultural performance and art field. This dance not only showcases the art of the Mising society but also brings their cultural traditions before different communities around the world with its rhythm, creativity, and colour costumes. The folk dance is performed in cultural meet, fair and festival which magnetizes the local people as well as outside tourists.Along with this, Gumrag dance also has its special importance in religious and moral values. It evolves from the religious rituals and cultural concepts that keep the spiritual and cultural life of the Mising people alive. Nukada Naagda is not just a dance that conveys the festive joy, but also a way to complete religious rituals and cultural traditions.Hence, henceforth Gumrag dance is an integral aspect of the cultural and social life of the Mising community. It embodies their ancient heritage, social cohesion, and cultural identity, and maintains their traditional art.

Description of the Mising Tribe

The Mising are a tribal community found in parts of Assam, North-East India. These individuals belong to the Tibeto-Burman language group which has a culture and history spanning centuries. In Tibet, the Mising tribe is also called 'Lhobha' which means 'Southern people', because they lived in the region of South Tibet. The Mising along with other Tani tribes had trade with the Tibetans in earlier days, where they used to offer weapons and metals in return for meat and wool. Since they did not have their own writing system, they wrote in Tibetan.The first reference to the Mising tribe is the 17th century Ahom Buranji. The Misings then inhabited the hills North of Brahmaputra valley and they used to invade Ahom territory from time to time. When the Misings were defeated by the Ahom forces in the year 1655m they accepted to pay tax to the Ahoms. Since then the Misings also held high positions under the Ahom administration which indicates the closeness they had with the Assamese.The Mising tribe was referred to as warrior 'Miri Karni' and was known for being skilled archers in the Ahom army. They were key in the suppression of the Naga tribes and in Rudra Singha's Jaintia expedition. While other hill tribes revolted during the Moamoria agitation, they stayed loyal too. The Mising tribe has a traditional lifestyle and famous culture based on practices passed down from generation to generation since they were established by their prominent ancestors. Their unique habitations are called 'Chang Ghar' that are raised houses on stout bamboo pillars. These houses protect from floods and the houses remain cool so they can live well with nature.Fishing and agriculture are majorly performed by the Mising community. They fish with bamboos tools and nets, and cultivate rice, vegetables and fruits. This agriculture and fishing is the backbone of their income. An essential part of the Mising culture and preserving traditions is their primary language 'Mising' in which this community still communicate. It is accompanied with Assamese and English.Cultural Festivals and Traditions: The different types of cultural traditions and festivals are what makes the Mising tribe a tribal community with great respect for their roots. The festival 'Ali-Aye-Ligang' which welcomes the spring season and sets the tone for the beginning of agricultural work. People celebrate it by traditional fancy dace, songs and fancy dresses पर। They also have a culture of festivals such as 'Bihu' and 'Ali-Aye-Ni' where they have community dance, music, and feasts as well. These festivities enable them to keep their cultural identity alive and avoid disintegration.The social culture of the Mising tribe and their way of life is not only an identity of their region, but an integral part of the simple Indian culture.

Description of famous persons of Mising tribe

Here in this section, we briefly talk about different famous persons of the Mising tribe that have unique talent and contribution. They are not only exemplary in their community but also contributed significantly to many aspects of society and culture. Be it in the field of literature, politics, environmental conservation or social service, these peoples have earned their prominent position with sheer hard work and struggle. Share with us the tales and creations of these notable individuals, celebrating the vibrant culture of the Mising people.One of the prominent figures who has indeed put scientific contribution to Gumrag dance of mising is Dr Pabitra Kumar Pegu. His exceptional contribution towards the conservation and promotion of the Mising traditional cultural heritage such as various traditional dance forms has been greatly appreciated.And, If we talk about the people of the Mising tribe who came into limelight, then the first name will be Jadav Payeng. Jadav "Molai" Payeng (Born 31 October 1959) also an Indian environmental activist member of the Mising tribe and called the "Forest Man of India". Michael Jason Payeng who is better known as Molai Payeng was born on Majuli Island of Assam where he is a forest worker and environmental activist. He created a forest on a sandy island of the Brahmaputra by planting and nurturing trees. The place is called the Molai Forest and it is located near Kokilamukh in Jorhat over an area of about 1,360 acres (550 hectares).It took decades for the monumental efforts taken by Payeng to finally be acknowledged, with the Government of India awarding him the Padma Shri in 20152 It is the fourth highest civilian award in India. Payeng belongs to Mising tribe, one of the major tribal communities of Assam. His story serves as a source of inspiration in the context of dedication and purpose in the cause of environmental conservation and nature; it also emphasizes how culturally rich and nature loving the Mising community is.

Style Forms, Music, Instruments and Costumes Used in Gumrag Dance

Etiquette of Gumrag Dance

It is an important form of dance which signifies the cultural life of the Mising tribe and is also performed during the Ali-Aye-Ligang festival. The etiquette and rules regarding this dance are generated passively, across generations, and this assists in holding not just community spirit and discipline but docketing a region's cultural heritage as well. The following etiquettes are followed during the dance of Gumrag:Traditional attire of participants of this Gumrag dance. While the men adorn themselves with white dhoti, galuk (a traditional garment) the women will drape themselves with the colourful riha and mekhlato. It represents culture and tradition as much as it is a souvenir showing respect to this dance.The Gumrag dance is one of the few group dances where men and women dance together rather than separately, often in time with each other. In this dance, collectively and unity is of utmost importance, hence the rhythms and steps of all participants need to complement each other. This communal dance culture indicates that everyone in the local community is equal and everybody must take part in.Remember to be disciplined in the dance. Nothing happens inappropriately and in Gumrag dance, No one makes a voice. Every movement should be respected, whether it is through respect towards the dancers or the audience watching this tradition. The dance is seen with total earnestness.Traditional musical instruments such as dhol, taal and pepa are used during the Gumrag dance. The music of these instruments forms the basis for dance steps and rhythm. The dancers have to be perfectly in sync with this music. This dance consists of harmony between the instrumentalists and the dancers.Gumrag dance is an agricultural dance where the dancers message gratitude towards nature and Mother Earth. Hence, it is believed that the dance should include a part of showing respect and appreciation for nature. It is not merely an act of entertainment but is often a religious and cultural ritual as well.Elders and experienced people of the community often guide Gumrag dance. Their teachings are passed down to the younger generation who perform this dance and keep its traditions alive. Following the directions and behaviour of elders while dancing is also an important part of the dance etiquette, During the dance.Gumrag dance is not an art but alive cultural heritage and traditions of the Mising. Etiquettes are there to do this dance with respect.

Styles in Gumrag Dance

Apart from having many styles Gumrag dance looks more enjoyable and attractive. It represents a fundamental aspect of the traditional culture of the Mising tribe, where the people residing in the community showcase their agricultural way of life and their cultural forms. The different styles of Gumrag dance exemplify the diversity of the form and the function of this dance.Ali-Aye-Ligang: This festival is the most important festival for people of the Mising tribe of Assam. A traditional dance associated with this festival is the 'Gumrang Dance' which is performed only during Ali-Aye-Ligang. This dance is closely associated with agriculture, representing the sowing of seeds, the ripening of crops, harvesting, and threshing.This dance has its own "Mudra" (gesture) named " Dake-ke-naam" signifying the fields with ripened crops. As the Ali-Aye-Ligang is the beginning of sowing season, the dance consists of hand movements in actions of cutting jungles sowing seeds and harvesting the crops.The first dance refers to clearing jungles and sowing seeds as "Jumrang Panang". This is followed by "Hunschit-Chinnam," which symbolizes the process of planting seeds. In the following section, plant harvests are shown and then threshing activity. At last, the dance ends with a Mudra depicting a gesture that depicts the removal of the husk of grain, signifying the completion of the culture cycle.

Music used in Gumrag dance

Mising tribe: The music which is used in the Gumrag dance is the cultural music of the Mising tribe. The Art of Raqs – The melodies and rhythms of the music in this dance are traditional musical instruments controlling the rhythm and tempo of the dance. Music not only energizes and enlivens the dance but is also interwoven with the life and culture of the Mising tribe through, music, songs, and dances.

• Dikya (Drum): Gumrag dance is characterized by the loud beats of Dhol. It is the principal accompaniment that provides base beat and rhythm for the dance. Hence, at various stages of the dance, Dhol sounds speed and excitement. Dhol beats start slowly and then get faster down the dance, which boosts the spirits of the dancers.
• Taal (Percussion): Taal or Mridang are also some of the most popular percussion instruments used in the Gumrag dance. They add another layer of rhythm and harmony to the dance. The rhythm of the Taal merges with the beats of the dance to form joyous vibrations. It is an instrument which makes the dancers Dance according to its beat and controls the speed of their steps.
• Traditional songs are also sung in the Gumrag dance. These songs depict the fables of the Mising tribe, its agrarian culture, and scenic surroundings. And when you put both his singing and the instruments with it, it turns the dance into a full cultural experience. The words of songs often talk about the earth, about crops, and all the facets of life that unite the dancers and the audience at the deepest of emotional levels.
• Harmony of music and dance: There is a great harmony between music and dance in Gumrag dance. Dancers follow their steps according to the melody and rhythm of the music. The tempo and tempo of the dance changes based on the various sections of the music. It sets the energy and emotion of the dance — from a slow beginning to a frenetic pace.

This music used in the dance of Gumrag is reminiscent of the cultural identity of the Mising tribe which shows the beautiful amount of life and respect for nature and an aspect of collectivism.

Costumes used in Gumrag Dance

As a major cultural dance of the Mising tribe, Gumrag embodies not just music and dancepostures; its clothing and ornaments are equally essential for the dance. Both the costumes and jewellery that accompany this dance not only make it visually appealing but at the same time also represent the culture, identity and traditional craftsmanship of the Mising tribe. The costumes, along with the ornaments when the dance is performed, reflect the physical and cultural identity of the dancers.

Men’s Costume:The Gumrag costume of Assam Mising men, Mibu Galuk is a sleeveless traditional attire, used to identify the cultural use, especially during festivals and ceremonies of Mising man. Gandroo is a piece of woven waist wrap, Jinrang is a sleeveless jacket and Marpung is ceremonial headgear. The culture, tradition, and diversity represented by these elements are deeply rooted in the history of Mising tribe and indeed firmly augments the loud and colorful gumrag dance through the sounds of Ali-Aye-Ligang festival.

Women's Costume:

Costume of Women Gero or in some parts Mosang Ege, is a lower garment worn by the women in Assam, especially among some of the aboriginal tribes of Assam.

• Gero — Gero is the traditional lower garment which the women wear. Typically, a colorful, decorated woven cloth with a traditional patterned bold design, it is tied around the waist essentially like a sarong or skirt. A ghoong but the latter is actually old but Gero [a traditional Mising cloth] is whatmarried women wear on her breast and unmarried girls wear it on her waist.
• Mosang Ege – Another lower clothing worn by women, mostly used by the people of certain tribes of Assam. Similar to gero, it is a garment that wraps around the body, often a hand-woven garment with complex patterns that reflect the culture of the community.

The two garments are most always woven on backstrap looms and are made of fabric that is handwoven and has the same geometric and symbolic patterns reflecting tribal traditions. These wears are more than garments; rather, they are a display of the culture, tradition, and skills of Assam's indigenous population.

Jewellery- The jewellery used in the Gumrag dance also represents the cultural richness of Mising tribe. Jewelry is used by women as well as men but women's jewelry is more complex and detailed.

Women's Jewellery:

Mising tribal women of Assam wear traditional ornaments that are not only beautiful but come with cultural roots. Their jewelry includes:

• Dokne Necklaces – Biethas, or necklaces of beads, representing elegance and tradition, usually worn on festivals and ceremony days.
• Dunphool Bun Cap – An ornamental hair cap, beautifying the traditional hairdo of Mising Women.
• Lagphool Wristband– A classy wrist accessory that adds to their overall personality
• Jewelry Ru'pun / Pichiri (multiple designs) — Unique earrings that showcase artistic tradition of the tribe (multiple designs).

This jewelry signifies the Mising tribe native dress and glorify the craftsmanship of the people.

Preservation, Promotion and Conclusion

Contemporary Relevance

Revival of a dance of the Mising community of AssamGumrag dance, a traditional dance of the Mising community of Assam has tremendous cultural and social relevance, even now. Even now this dance is very important in order to maintain the community identity and cultural unity of Mising people, as it is an essential part of their cultural heritage.The present day, when most of the traditional cultural heritages are losing to the pace of the globalisation, modernization and the ground has lost the music and the dance of heritage but the Gumrag dance has great significance in present scenario. Its dance shows a feeling of togetherness, fraternity in the Mising community that keeps individuals attached to their customs and cultures. The dance reminds Young Mising people, especially the ones who inhabit cities and are living a modern lifestyle, their roots in culture. As a dance, it is the strength of keeping their identity culturally during some festival and mass events.The importance of the dance, which has been protected for generations, is rooted in their closeness to nature and to the environment. Since the Mising people live on nature, the Gumrag dance is reminiscent of our eco-sensitive approach. The dance reflects thanked the agriculture, sowing of rabi crops harvest and natural elements, which is all more significant, given the environmental conservation-related challenges faced by India presently. Thus, by this, the Mising community not only preserves their traditional agriculture system but disseminates the modern think of protecting the environment.

Maintenance and Conservation: The Gumrag dance is a significant portion of the rich cultural heritage of the Mising tribe and thus, utmost care in preserving and nurturing the costumes, music, ornaments and the dance form itself is essential. Not only is the preservation of it important to retain the traditions of the dance, but, in-turn, the preservation of the community's culture and livelihood. For the preservation and promotion of Gumrag dance, the following steps can be followed:

Promotion and awareness: One of the things we must do is pass the culture, history and the importance of Gumrag dance to the youngest generation. We can conduct special courses as well workshops in schools and colleges to inform students about the dance. Try to put exhibitions and information displays about Gumrag dance in local cultural centers and museums. This will not only raise awareness in neighbouring communities, but will also entice non-local visitors.Schedule make recurrent Gumrag elocution performances. Not only will the traditional dance beauty be showcased but it will also be a source and will inspire the generations to come. Raise community involvement at big dance events. This will contribute to people becoming more attached and passionate event valuable to the dance.

Preservation of Dance Costumes and Jewellery

Regular washing of the dance dresses and the accessories is necessary. Use a gentle detergent to wash clothing, keeping it out of sunlight. Use dry place to store jewellery and polish it once in a while to prevent oxidation. Preserve clothes If you want to keep costumes and jewellery in storage for the future, use storage containers. Keep in cloth bags or boxes away from dust and moisture.That too If there is damage to the costume or jewellery then must get repaired promptly. Restoration focusing on artisanal looms, their pattern and aesthetics.Get old clothes and jewelries reconstructed by local craftsmen and artisans. We would not want to miss their artisanal methods and insights.

• Cultural and Social Initiatives: Mobilise the community for the conservation of the Gumrag dance. This guarantees that the traditions and customs of dance live on.
• Digital and technical preservation: Record Gumrag dance performances and practices on video. This is not only a contemporary form of preserving but also chronicles a wide-ranging variety of dance styles and finesses. Promote dance content (video, image, news) in the digital world This will enlarge the canvas of dance and showcase cultural heritage globally. Oracle: Online teaching and training programmes that teach Gumrag dance to both local and international audiences.

Conduct virtual workshops and webinars to impart dance methods and techniques.This will protect the cultural and historical heritage of Gumrag dance and make it relevant and beautiful. This instead will help in protecting the cultural identity of the Mising tribe, which in future will turn out to be a valuable cultural heritage for other communities and audiences globally.

Promotion of the Dance

Promotion and propagation of the Gumrag are acknowledgement of its cultural prominence as well as its popularisation into higher populations. Promotional strategies; however, several effective strategies could be adopted for the promotion dance, since it is an integral part of traditional art of Mising Tribe.

• Promoting in educational and cultural institutions: Take workshops and lecture series on the features, history and importance of Gumrag dance in culture. This should help in getting students to be aware of the dance, and finding out more about the culture that it comes from. Make sure to integrate dance in art and culture education initiatives at schools to raise its relevance amongst the younger generation. Give public presentations of Gumrag dance in multiple local and national cultural festivals and events. This will expose the dance to a broader audience and attract new audiences. Set up dedicated stalls and exhibition spaces for the dance at cultural fairs and exhibitions. Content related to Gumrag dance can be shared on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as well. That would include performance videos, photos, and details on the dance. Create viral hashtags and campaigns around the dance to see it trending on social media. Develop a site or Blog — to write about ways, ethics and cultural meanings of the Gumrag dance. Are video tutorials, interviews and articles about the dance. Post videos on a Youtube channel of you dancing or training. This means the audience will also be able to view the dance, then learn it.
• Community and cultural events: Collaborate with local cultural organizations, trusts and foundations to promote Gumrag dance within the community. Present the dance at international cultural exchange festivals and workshops to expose it to a global audience. Organize Gumrag performances in the local community as well as training sessions. This will increase local awareness of the dance and locally attract the community. Create presentations and documentaries that will shed light on different perspectives of the dance. Screen it in community centers, schools, cultural events, etc.
• Promotional materials and advertising: Print pamphlets, posters & flyers about the Gumrag dance and places and time of performance. Hand out these around culture centers, schools public places etc. Write-up and publish advertisements related to Gumrag dance in local and national newspapers, magazines. Organise special programs and advertisements on radio and television to teach the Gumrag dance. This is one of the most efficient ways to hold the dance in front of more people. Engage media houses and journalists to create special reports and features on the importance and cultural significance of the dance
• Social and Educational Projects: Try mixing the Gumrag dance with modern music and/or modern dance forms. It will generate interest in the dance and will pull in fresh audience. Make a connection between the dance and cultural sustainability and preservation. That will convey that the Gumrag dance is not just an art but the fundamental part of the heritage.

With these strategies, the Gumrag dance can attract a greater audience and stay relevant. This would not only maintain the cultural significance of the dance but would also guarantee the preservation of its cultural heritage for the future.

Conclusion

Mising tribe: Gumrag dance — vibrant part of cultural heritage Read more This dance represents their social and religious life as well as the uniqueness of their culture. The importance of this dances is combined by its history, style, instruments, costumes, and preservation.There is a historical background behind the Gumrag dance. This dance has its own significance in the traditions and social circle of the Mising tribe. This dance reflects social unity and cultural identity of the Mising society. Hope it use to performed during its festivals and important religious acts, it should be played along with traditional instruments like flute and drums. Through the dance, the dancers present their art but at the same time keep their cultural heritage alive.The ways and style of this dance differ. The different styles of the dance characterized the position, movements and coordination of the dance that ensure a correct and proper execution of the dance. Gumrag has a lot of its stylized forms such as step, rhythm and plots, which enhance the dance liveliness and zest. The dance is also performed in groups, fostering a sense of collectivism and cooperation.Dance and Instruments are inevitable in the Gumrag dance. Dhol, flute, as well as jingles play a common instrument that offer unique as well as lively music rhythm to the dance. These instruments are used for supporting this dance in order to feel the energy and rhythm of the dance, which is a different experience of watching that dance on a stage. Such a convergence of music does not only render the dance musical but also the very soul of the Mising culture. These sparkle costumes and jewelry stand out in its beauty of the Gumrag dance. The dancers typically wear bright-colored and beautifully crafted traditional dress costumes representing the cultural importance of this dance.Bangles, necklaces and nose rings are the common jewellery that is used with these costumes which adds to the beauty of the dance. Costumes and jewelry worn by the dancers not only add to the uniqueness of the dance but also reflect the cultural values ​​of the society.A number of measures are being taken to protect and promote Gumrag dance. It needs regular practice, training, and cultural activities to keep it alive. The dance is being kept alive via its teaching in schools, through community events and via digital medium. Music also records techniques and music traditions now be recorded to preserve them for future generations. Local artists and experts are included in this process so that the complexities of the dance can be communicated more accurately. Finally, Gumrag dance is a relatively non-static traditional profession for the Mising tribe which signifies their cultural identity and heritage on Mogang and the religious components. This effort in preservation, promotion, and relevancy for the current point in time, both assist the continuance of this living and unique form of dance alongside honouring the value of cultural diversity and heritage. Therefore, Gumrag dance is nothing short of a responsibility of a culture about its richness and significance and also an indication of our sensitization towards the reality.Our support for Gumrag dance is integral to the development of this dance and to having it recognized locally, nationally and internationally. This unique style of Gumrag dance remains inspirational for generation to come as we continue passing on the tradition of the culture. This is no simple art form; it serves as a marker of our social values, as a marker of our cultural identity and much more with our inseparable, and deeply cherished, well-endowed cultural heritage.