Manohra, Manorah (มโนห์รา, มโนราห์)

Thai. Longest existing dance drama in Thailand, with similar themes to the Ramakien. The story relates the events of the protagonist Prince Phra Suthon, who sets out to liberate Manohra, an abducted kinnari and daughter of the king of the kinnons, who eventually marries the prince. Performances are often complemented with comic comments. Performers dress in colourful costumes, with the tail of a kinnari at the back, a chadah-like crown, and silver lep, i.e. long, curled aluminum finger pieces (fig.). Especially popular in South Thailand. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word manohara, meaning ‘enchanting’, It is also shortened to Nora or nohra, while the first part, manoh (มโน), when used on its own, means ‘to imagine’ or ‘to fantasize’. See also POSTAGE STAMPS (1) and (2), TRAVEL PICTURE (1) and (2), THEMATIC STREET LIGHT, and WATCH VDO (1) and (2). 回