Chhau artistes perform at a procession in Sakchi. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, March 22: After a year’s gap, Ram Navami revellers will enjoy a Thang Ta performance in Sonari this year.

Lalan Akhara is bringing martial artistes from Manipur to regale the gathering tomorrow. About 17 artistes from the Association for Paona Memorial Arts and Rural Development Service, Manipur, will put up a show on the premises of Lalan Akhara in Sonari.

The artistes, mostly school and college students, will perform Thang Laiteng Haiba (a form of dance with weapons) and Thang Yahum Yannaba (one person fighting two) among other feats.

This is the sixth time that the group will be performing in Jamshedpur on the occasion of Ram Navami. Except last year, they had performed in the previous five years.

“Thang Ta is a traditional martial art form. In ancient times, it was used for defence during battles between clans, tribes and states. Now, this has become an art form that children and youngsters in Manipur are keen to learn despite the risks involved,” K. Hemchandra Sharma, the instructor of Association for Paona Memorial Arts and Rural Development Service, said.

Aged between 16 years and 27 years, the artistes boast diploma and degree certificates in this art form.

This is not all. Girls from the neighbourhood will add local flavour to the show with their own stunts.

Lalan Akhara has roped in several local girls to perform feats at the programme.