- The Pung cholom is a Manipuri dance.
- It is the soul of Manipuri Sankirtana music and Classical Manipuri dance.
- This dance may be performed by men or women and is usually a prelude to the Ras Lila.
- In this style, the dancers play the pung (a form of hand beaten drum) while they dance at the same time.
- Dancers need to be graceful and acrobatic at the same time.
- They use these acrobatic effects without breaking the rhythm or flow of music.
- The dance is marked by a gentle rhythm, which gradually builds up to a thunderous climax.
- Pung cholom borrows elements from the Manipuri martial arts Thang Ta and Sarit Sarak and also from the traditional Maibi Jagoi dance.