The first kind of occasion, in which the Chawnglaizawn dance is performed, is during the death of a married woman. This dance is performed by her husband as a mark of his grief over her death. He continues with the dance until he is tired and is unable to dance anymore. His friends and relatives continue the dance.

The second occasion is a joyous one. The hunters returning after a successful hunt is greeted with the Chawnglaizawn dance. This version of the dance is performed by groups of boys and girls. The dancers stand in a row and perform a series of movements with their arms. While dancing they hold colorful shawls in their hands, which highlights the movements of their arms. This dance is performed to the rhythm produced by drums.