MONGLEE (Based on Kherai Puja)
Director : Pabitra Rabha
Group : Bhartendu Natya Academy, Lucknow
Language : Bodo
Duration : 80 mins.
Date : 01 Feb 2025
Play : Monglee
Awi Bihamjw Monglee
Boha Thang Khw Nwng Rotho
Dubribariao Agan Nudwgmwn
Balabariao Gwmabai Ai Gwmabai (An Assamese Ritual Song)
Monglee, the youngest amongst the five daughters – in law of an old man, was a free spirited girl who used to sing and roam freely amidst the nature.
One day, while she was out in the wild, the old man began searching for her everywhere. That old man, known as Zaraphagla, fell asleep during his search and sees an ancient timeless dream, which is known in the folklores as the creation of Kherai.
Kherai has been significant from that time onwards as the main ritual of the indigenous Bodo community which is transmitted from generation to generation. Depending on this story, with due reverences to that ancient dream, the social behaviour, rituals, customs and the culture of the community evolve. The play comprises of different characters that present myriad shades of human behaviour. The folklore is rooted in the collective consciousness of the community even in this fast-paced technological age.
