The Pung Cholom is a very characteristic dance of Manipur.  It is based upon the drum known as Pung or Manipuri mridang.  This dance may be performed by men or women and is usually a prelude to the Ras Lila.

Performance—in this style, the dancers play the Pung at the same time they are dancing.  Sometimes acrobatics are used for an exciting effect, all without breaking the flow of the music