Byron Aihara is a filmmaker, photographer, and writer, who has centered his work for the past five years on traditional performance arts of Manipur, Northeast India. He has published a book titled, Dance Music and Ritual in Manipur. And is currently completing the final draft of a new book to be titled, Two or Three Things I Know About Manipur, which will be coming out next year. 

 A graduate of UCLA and its School of Film and Television, Byron holds a BFA degree in production and film studies. As a filmmaker, he has produced and directed a feature documentary, Marriage in Chanderi and several short films and YouTube videos.

Since 2004 he has traveled extensively throughout India, Nepal, and Indonesia, mostly in villages and towns, and has lived for over five years on the road where he considers himself in spirit an “explorer.” Byron’s research is independent and broad in scope. His goal is to research and present traditional dance, music, and rituals with a focus on those which are endangered and in need of immediate protection. 

Based in Santa Cruz, California, Byron Aihara has published work in Surfer Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler (India), Outlook Traveler, The Hindu, Mumbai Mirror, Discover India’s Northeast Magazine, and other publications. He has for the annual print exhibition of the Royal Photographic Society been shortlisted. You can view Byron’s featured profile and gallery at the following link sponsored by LensCulture.com

Byron Aihara with Oja Khangembam Mangka