Title:AT IMPHAL: FIRE AT AMMUNITION DUMP AND GURKHAS OF ASSAM RIFLES CELEBRATING DASHAIN [Allocated Title]
Film Number:JFU 131
Other titles:BRITISH ARMY OPERATIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: At Imphal in Manipur, India, a fire at an ammunition dump causes small explosions but no damage and Gurkhas of 4th Assam Rifles celebrate the festival of Dashain (Dussehra) with the sacrifice of animals.
Description: A rough road in countryside. A pall of smoke rises and debris lies around a XXXIII Indian Corps ammunition dump. The remains of ammunition boxes lie around a still smoldering pile. Small explosions go off. A large white cloud of smoke rises into the air. Ammunition boxes are stacked a short distance from the fire.
This sequence appears to be from a celebration of the festival of Dashain. A group of men gather around a calf tied to a post. A traditional hut with open sides is in the background. The ropes are pulled tight so the calf's head is tight against the pole. One of the men in ceremonial costume chops through the calf's neck with one blow of a large kukri knife. A large crowd can be seen gathered around the area; most appear to be Gurkhas in uniform. Another priest splashes water onto the head and body of the calf. The body of the calf is dragged in a circle around the sacrifice pole by five men. A soldier places a loose turban on the head of one of the priests; they stand in front of a table with a shelter built over it from bamboo and palm leaves. Gurkhas line up in the background; two Gurkhas dance, twirling on the spot and waving white handkerchiefs. A sheep is tied up in the same manner as the calf; its back legs are held out and a large kukri is used to chop off its head. The body is dragged round in a circle. A line of four or five Gurkhas hold ducks and other birds. Local children and adults rush to take positions in the crowd. Four of the priests sit around the sacrifice pole. The Gurkha pipe and drum band play. Close-up of the bagpipe player. A sheep is led to the sacrifice pole and tied up. Three sheep are led around the open area in front of the crowd. Another sheep is beheaded and its body is dragged around in a circle; it twitches quite violently and the legs keep running. A calf is led into the circle. A Gurkha dances as others around him clap and beat drums. The calf is now tied up to the pole.
Alternative Title:BRITISH ARMY OPERATIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR [Allocated Series Title]
Production Details: War Office Directorate of Public Relations (Production sponsor)
SEAC Film Unit (Production company)
Hammond, R G (Production individual)
Higgins, K G (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Indian Army, Assam Rifles, 4th Battalion (regiment/service)
Indian Army, XXXIII Indian Corps (regiment/service)
Keywords: Burma 1942-1945, Second World War (event)
Dashain, Celebrations (event)
Burma 1942-1945 (theme)
Indian Army 1939-1945 (theme)
Imphal, Manipur, India (geography)
