"From Raas Leela to Bihu: The Evolution of Assam's Folk Dance Forms"

 "From Raas Leela to Bihu: The Evolution of Assam's Folk Dance Forms"

Assam's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its vibrant folk dance forms, which have evolved over centuries. One of the earliest forms of dance in Assam was the Raas Leela, which originated in the Vaishnavite tradition and involved a group of dancers depicting the life of Lord Krishna through intricate footwork and hand gestures. Over time, other dance forms emerged, including the Bihu, which is now one of the most popular folk dances in Assam. Bihu is a joyful dance that celebrates the changing seasons and the agricultural cycle, and is accompanied by lively music played on instruments such as the dhol, pepa, and gogona. The evolution of Assam's folk dance forms is a testament to the state's rich cultural heritage, and continues to be a source of pride for its people.

Here is a list of "Folk Dance Of Assam"

Bihu Dance:  Bihu dance is a folk dance from the Indian state of Assam, which is performed during the Bihu festival. The Bihu festival is a harvest festival that is celebrated in the state of Assam in three parts - Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu in October, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January. The Bihu dance is usually performed by a group of young men and women, dressed in colorful traditional Assamese attire. The dance is characterized by brisk and energetic movements, with dancers forming circles or rows and moving in sync with the music. The dance is accompanied by the sound of traditional Assamese musical instruments, such as the dhol, pepa, and taal. The Bihu dance has different forms, depending on the time of the year. During Rongali Bihu, the dance is known as the 'Jhumur' dance and is performed to celebrate the beginning of the Assamese New Year. During Kati Bihu, the dance is known as the 'Husori' dance and is performed to pray for a good harvest. During Bhogali Bihu, the dance is known as the 'Bihu' dance and is performed to celebrate the harvest season. The Bihu dance is an important part of Assamese culture and is often performed during weddings, social gatherings, and other festive occasions. The dance has gained popularity outside of Assam as well and is now performed in other parts of India and in other countries around the world.

 

Bagurumba Dance:  Bagurumba is a traditional folk dance of the Bodo community, which is one of the indigenous communities of the Indian state of Assam. The dance is performed by a group of women, dressed in colorful traditional Bodo attire, and is accompanied by the sound of traditional Bodo musical instruments. The Bagurumba dance is usually performed during the Bwisagu festival, which is a harvest festival celebrated by the Bodo community in the month of April. The dance is characterized by slow and graceful movements, with the dancers forming circles or rows and moving in sync with the music. The dance is performed to celebrate the harvest season and to pray for a good harvest in the coming year. The Bagurumba dance is performed to the rhythm of the 'maadol', which is a traditional Bodo drum, and the 'khawang', which is a bamboo instrument. The dancers also wear traditional Bodo jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and bangles, which are made from silver and brass. The Bagurumba dance is an important part of Bodo culture and is often performed during weddings, social gatherings, and other festive occasions. The dance has gained popularity outside of Assam as well and is now performed in other parts of India and in other countries around the world. The Bagurumba dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a way of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community. Through this dance, the Bodo people showcase their unique traditions and customs, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Sattriya Dance:- Sattriya is a traditional folk dance of Assam, a northeastern state of India. It is a classical dance form that originated in the monasteries of the Vaishnava saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardev, in the 15th century. Sattriya dance is primarily performed by male dancers, although female dancers also participate in some aspects of the performance. The dance form is characterized by graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive facial expressions and hand gestures. The costumes worn by the Sattriya dancers are inspired by the traditional attire of the monks, consisting of dhoti, kurta, and turban, along with a gamusa (a white cotton towel) wrapped around the neck. The music for Sattriya dance is based on classical Assamese music, and the instruments used include the khol (a traditional drum), cymbals, flute, and taal (a pair of small cymbals). The dance form is typically performed during religious festivals and occasions, and it often tells stories from Hindu mythology and the life of Srimanta Sankardev. The dance also serves as a means of expressing devotion and spirituality. In recent times, Sattriya dance has gained recognition as a classical dance form of India, and it is taught and performed both within the state of Assam and outside, in other parts of the country and abroad.

Deodhani Dance :- Deodhani is a traditional folk dance of Assam, a state in northeastern India. It is a ritualistic dance form that is performed by the Deodhani community, who are considered to be the descendants of the ancient shamanic priests of the region. The Deodhani dance is usually performed by women, who are believed to be possessed by the spirits of their ancestors and various deities during the performance. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments such as the dhol, pepa, and taal. The costumes worn by the Deodhani dancers are colorful and ornate, featuring traditional Assamese fabrics and designs. The dancers also wear elaborate headgear and jewelry. The dance is performed as a form of worship and is often associated with the worship of the snake goddess, Manasa. The dance is typically performed during the Manasa Puja festival, which is celebrated in Assam in the month of August. During the performance, the dancers go into a trance-like state, and their movements are believed to be controlled by the spirits that have possessed them. The dance is accompanied by chanting and other rituals, which are believed to help the dancers communicate with the spirits and seek their blessings. The Deodhani dance is an important part of the cultural heritage of Assam and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving shamanic traditions in the world. The dance form has been recognized by the government of India as an intangible cultural heritage of the country.

FAQS

Q: What are the traditional folk dances of Assam?

A: Assam has several traditional folk dances, including Bihu, Bagurumba, Sattriya, Deodhani, and Jhumur.

Q: What is Bihu dance?

A: Bihu is a popular folk dance of Assam, which is performed during the Bihu festival. It is a celebration of the harvest season and features lively movements and colorful costumes.

Q: What is Bagurumba dance?

A: Bagurumba is a folk dance of the Bodo community in Assam, which is performed during the Bwisagu festival. The dance features graceful movements and is accompanied by traditional music played on instruments like the dhol, pepa, and taal.

Q: What is Sattriya dance?

A: Sattriya is a classical dance form that originated in the monasteries of the Vaishnava saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardev, in Assam. It is characterized by graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive facial expressions and hand gestures.

Q: What is Deodhani dance?

A: Deodhani is a ritualistic folk dance of Assam, which is performed by the Deodhani community. It is associated with the worship of the snake goddess, Manasa, and is performed during the Manasa Puja festival.

Q: What is Jhumur dance?

A: Jhumur is a folk dance of the tea garden workers in Assam, which is performed during the harvest season. It features lively movements and is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments like the dhol and taal.

Q: What is the significance of these folk dances?

A: These folk dances are an important part of the cultural heritage of Assam and serve as a means of expressing the region's rich traditions and customs. They are also a source of entertainment and provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate during festivals and other occasions.