1. Nimita Devi Nritya Ashram is a dance institution and performing group founded by Nimita Devi in Imphal, Manipur. Nimita Devi has trained extensively in classical Manipuri dance since childhood under the renowned guru Th. Babu Singh. 2. The ashram provides training in various Manipuri dance forms such as Chali, Bhangi, and Lasya Nritya. It has given over 1,500 performances across India and abroad. 3. The ashram aims to promote Manipuri culture and has received support from the Indian government including scholarships and grants for Nimita Devi and the ashram's productions.

1. NIMITA DEVI NRITYA ASHRAM
A Dance Institution-cum-Performing Unit
Sh. Nimita Devi was born on 1st Janaury 1969 to Shri Sh. Balmukondo Sharma
and Smt Sh (ongbi) Ibetombi Devi of Uripok Ahanthem Leikai, Imphal. She is the
7th of nine siblings. Her parents are devout Vaishnavites who have always had a
deep love of the classical Manipuri Dance, ‘Ras Leela’. Sh. Nimita Devi showed a
strong and natural fondness for this dance form since childhood. Her parents
encouraged her, and at a very tender age she became a disciple of the reknowned
Classical Manipuri Dance Guru (Padmashri) Th. Babu Singh.
From 1.4.1980 to 31.3.1983, she received training from her Guru in Chali,
Bhangi, Lasya Nritya, Lai Haraoba, etc. Thereafter, following the wishes of her
Guru she joined (L) Guru Amubi’s Nritya Vidyalaya and its ‘Manipuri Jagoi Marup’.
This enabled her to become an exponent of Classical Manipur Dance. Under the
guidance of her Guru she enjoyed a scholarship from the Ministry of HRD,
Department of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi from 1.9.1994 to
3.12.1996. During this period the Guru taught her in 4 (four) phases the following
details of Classical Manipuri Dance.
1. 1.9.1994 to 31.3.1995
Solo exposition of classical compositions on the themes as contained in the
Geet Govinda viz.
Dasavatar
Krishna Vandana
Vasant Varnan
2. 1.3.1995 to 31.8.1995
Solo exposition of classical compositions on the themes as contained in the
Geet Govinda viz.
Samod Damodara (Chandrabaligi Kanglup)
Akalesh Keshava Nam (Radhagi Kanglup)
Tritya Sarg (Krishna Birha)
3. 1.9.1995 to 30.6.1996
Delicate body movements in the Manipuri style, synchronisation with music,
manifestation of the required verve and mental import as required in the
exposition of items in Samod Damodara
Akalesh Keshava Nam
4. 1.7.1996 to 3.12.1996
Mukho Modhu Sudano Nam (Krishna Solo)
Duti Sangbad (Radhagi Dutina Krishnada Haijaba)
Yasta Sarg (Sadh-Kantha Beikuntha)
Sh. Nimita Devi has, from 1969 till today, given 1500 (one thousand five
hundred) shows all over the country and abroad. In Japan from 1st May, 2007 to
30th June, 2007 she gave performances (as a member and lead dancer of the
‘Manipuri Jagoi Marup’) throughout the Japanese archipelago. During the course
of the tour she conducted and participated in workshops (on Manipuri Dance)
which were conducted on alternate days.

2. Sh. Nimita Devi became listed in the empanelment of the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations (ICCR) on 6.7.1990. She became a National Scholarship Holder
in Manipuri Dance, under the Department of Culture, Government of India, New
Delhi, in 1994. She received the ‘Ustaad Bis Millah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ award in
2006. She was also made a Junior Fellow by the Ministry of Culture, Government of
India from 2007-2009.
With individual invitations becoming far too many, Sh. Nimita Devi decided to
open her own Nrityalaya, ‘Nimita Devi Nritya Ashram’. The Ashram is, as of now,
being run at her residence at Sagolband, Bijoy Govinda, Imphal. The Ashram
became a registered body on 2nd August, 2007 under Regd. No. 285/M/SR/2007
and has already evoked membership both from many students and well known
artistes alike (in Manipur). At present Sh. Nimita Devi has learnt from her Guru the
finer points in knowledge and exposition of the 5 (five) Ras Lilas that constitute
classical Manipuri Dance viz. Maha Ras, Kunja Ras, Basanta Ras, Nitya Ras, Diva
Ras.
Since, the inception of the Nimita Devi Nritya Ashram, the institute has
given 102 performances all over India. It was given the responsibility of presenting
cultural programmes to welcome dignitaries like Y.V. Reddy, Governor, Reserve
Bank of India; Anbumani Ramados, Union Minister, Health & Family Welfare; B.K.
Handique, Union Minister, DoNER; Agatha Sangma, Union Minister of State, RD≺
P. Chidambaram, Union Home Minister; Ajay Maken, Union Minister of State, Youth
Affairs & Sports, Government of India; Mr. M.A. Ramirez Ramos, His Excellency,
Ambassador of Cuba and his wife Mrs. R.M. Alvarez on their visit to Mnaipur and
also Mukul Wasnik, Union Minister, Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of
India.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi has given Salary
Grant and Production Grant since 2011
MAIBI JAGOI: Maibis or high priestesses are the star performers of the Lai Haraoba
Festival performed for the propitiation of the sylvan Deities known as Umang Lai.
Maibis conduct the Lai Haraoba festival with dances in which various processes of
creation and preservation of the world are described. In this dance, the Maibis,
after invoking the Deities from water, dance Leitai-Nongdai Jagoi known as
Laiching Jagoi. This is an artistic expression of the leveling of earth and heaven by
the gods and goddesses at the time of creation.
LAI-HARAOBA: Lai-Haraoba is the traditional festival of Manipur dating back to
pre-historic ages. Lasting for about 10 to 15 days, it mirrors the ancient culture of
the Meitei people. In this dance men and women offer prayer to the sylvan Deities
for peace and prosperity of the land. Hundreds of villagers of all ages participate
in this dance.
DHOL-CHOLOM: This is a Manipuri drum dance executed by drummers in wild
ecstasy to particular patterns of rhythm. This dance is performed by male artists
only during the Holi Festival.

3. DASA AVATAR: Whenever there is disorder and calamity on earth. Lord Vishnu
appears to restore peace and order, thus the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu are
described by poet Jayadeva in the invocatory verse of Geet Govinda.
SHIM-LAAM: Shim Laam (fly dance) is a Kabui dance of Manipur. According to a
Kabui legend there lived a half-mythical and half historical prophet named
‘MHUNG’ who was the law giver and a reformer of all creatures on earth. Mhung
performed a great sacrifice called ‘Jourumei’ to which all the creatures on earth
were invited. Each of the species performed their respective dances in the
Jourumei sacrifice and Kabuis imitated the different dances. This dance imitating
the movements of a fly, is performed in GAN NGAI harvest festival and in the
‘BALLOO’ sacrifice.
THANG AHUM YANNABA (Three sword fight-one versus two men): This styles of
fighting is based on three steps of sword. In this fight one swordsman with swords
in both hands makes a contest against two experts holding swords with shields.
This single swordman uses an exciting step so as to cover himself with the two
swords from possible attacks and tries on offence and attack against the two
experts.
PUNG-CHOLOM: Pung Cholom is an indispensable part of the classical Manipuri
Sankirtana. It is unique in the sense that the dancers wile executing various
graceful body movements, play the Pung or Mridanga with intricate rhythms and
cross-rhythms.
BASANTA RAAS: Basanta Raas may be termed as a Dance Drama of Manipur. In the
full moon night of Chaitra (March-April) Shri Krishna comes to the appointed grove
(Kunja), the Gopis led by Radha respond to the call of his flute and they dance
together. They play Holi with coloured Abir and finally there is union-milan,
Sambhoga of Shringar ras.
An excerpt
How does one describe the beauty of
Brindaban. It is clad
In fruits and flowers in full bloom,
And blessed with six seasons.
Saints are mesmerized,
And the beauty of Brindaban beggars description.