New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS): Folk dances by 10 tribes from different regions of Manipur were performed Wednesday as part of the Manipur Day celebrations at the 33rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) here Wednesday.

"Manipur has several tribes, so this is the right platform for us to showcase our traditional dances and skills to the people from other parts of the country," said Apam Ragui, nodal officer of Manipur in-charge of IITF.

"Through this celebration we also want to spread the message of unity in diversity," Ragui added.

The traditional Manipuri dance style is "Pung cholom" which is a purely classical dance - a prelude to Rasleela.

This traditional dance is also inherent with traditional musical instrument called the "Pung" - a hand-beaten drum played by the male dancers.

The 33rd IITF is being held at Pragati Maidan from Nov 14 to Nov 27. Each day is observed as a state day at the fair. On Thursday, it will be Chattisgarh Day.