Indian bamboo dance breaks world record

By Dorothy Lalrinkimi in Aizawl

More than 10,000 performed the dance. (Photos: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee)

A bamboo dance performed by more than 10,000 tribal people in India's north-east has set a new world record as the "largest and longest bamboo dance".

The dancers, who were mainly students, performed the traditional "Cheraw" dance along a 3km (1.8 mile) stretch in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram state.
Guinness World Records judge Lucia Sinigaliesi watched the dance along with tens of thousands of spectators.
Organisers said the award would help boost tourism to the state.
"This was easily the largest and longest bamboo dance ensemble performed anywhere in the world so far," Ms Sinigaliesi said after the event.
Later, she handed over a certificate to Mizoram's arts and culture minister, PC Zoramsangliana.

Ms Sinigaliesi watched the performance with thousands of people(Photos: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee)

"This is a great day for Mizoram, it is a great recognition of our distinct culture and dance form," Ms Boichhingpuii, Mizoram's director for art and culture, said.
The 10, 378 dancers performed for eight minutes in Aizawl's spacious Assam Rifles Grounds, with many spilling out beyond the grounds.
"To make or break records the dances have to be traditional and the performers must wear traditional dresses as was done colourfully today," Ms Sinigaliesi said.