Thaseng N Marak 

Thaseng N Marak, aged 25 and unmarried, resides in a family of eight, including five siblings and parents. Hailing from the Garo Tribe of Meghalaya, he has mastered the drums, flute, and Chigring—a unique percussion instrument specific to the Garos. Since 2017, he has dedicated himself to performing folk dances exclusively, driven by a deep desire to preserve and promote his traditional art form among younger generations. He often takes on the role of a warrior in his performances, brandishing the traditional Garo sword (Milam) and shield (Seppi).

As a member of a performance group, Thaseng has showcased his talents in various locations across India, including Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, and even Bangladesh. Although music and folk performances are not his full-time occupation, he works as a contract-based painter. He effectively manages his time, dedicating efforts to both his job and practising the folk forms under the guidance of the Meghalaya Art and Culture Department.

Thaseng’s motivation to perform and practice these traditional dances stems from his genuine desire to spread awareness of the rich Bodo tribe and its cultural heritage. While he receives instruction from a dedicated instructor, his commitment is entirely voluntary, driven by his passion for showcasing the Bodo tribe’s cultural legacy.

• Meghalaya
• North East