Bangladeshi dancer presents Manipuri heritage research at Taiwan conference

Bangladeshi Manipuri dancer and researcher Sweety Das presented her research on the Manipuri community of Bangladesh at the International Dance Conference Festival (IDCF) 2026, held in Taichung, Taiwan.

The conference, organised by the World Dance Alliance (WDA) in collaboration with the National Taiwan University of Sport, took place from June 23 to 27 at the National Taiwan University of Sport.

Das, a PhD researcher at Jahangirnagar University and Director and Principal of Dikhsha Dance Institute, represented Bangladesh at the international gathering of dance scholars, researchers and practitioners.

Her presentation focused on the Manipuri community of Bangladesh, exploring themes of embodied devotion and cultural negotiation. The research examines how the community preserves its cultural identity through ritual practices, dance, music, theatre and everyday devotional life.

The study is the result of more than eight years of continuous fieldwork and close engagement with the Manipuri community under Shadhona – A Centre for Advancement of South Asian Culture. Through ethnographic research and active participation in community rituals and cultural practices, Das documented and analysed the community's living cultural heritage.

Speaking after the presentation, Das said, "It is a great honour to represent Bangladesh and share the rich cultural heritage of the Manipuri community on an international platform. This achievement belongs to the Manipuri community, whose trust, knowledge and support have guided my journey over the years."

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She dedicated the achievement to the Manipuri community of Bangladesh and expressed gratitude to the gurus, artistes, elders and community members whose encouragement, guidance and cooperation made her long research journey possible.