Bihu Dance: Celebrating the Spirit of Assam

The Bihu Dance is an essential aspect of Assamese tradition and is celebrated with great ceremonies in Assam, a northeastern state of India. This folk dance is linked to the Bihu festivals, which are key events in the Assamese agricultural calendar. The dance has dynamic movements combined with pep and jubilation. A cheerful harmony in the dance illustrates the unity among the participants and the community. This article discusses the essence of Bihu folk Dance, its historical role as well as its contribution to Assamese culture.

What is Bihu Dance?

During the three Bihu festivals, Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu, this folk dance is performed. The three events each celebrate one phase in agriculture’s different seasons and thus represent different aspects of Assamese society and culture. It is performed with vigorous body movements, colorful costumes, and traditional instruments. Celebrated during the harvest season, the beginning of spring, and the Assamese New Year, this is a festival that unites the different communities in an enthusiastic spirit of cultural heritage.

The Famous Bihu Dance Belongs To which State?

The Bihu Dance is intricately linked with the enriched cultural heritage of Assam. Assam is a city situated in northeast India, enriched with lush green tea gardens, impressive  sceneries, and century-old traditions. This form of dance has been an integral part of festivals in Assam, which reflects the close association of this state with agriculture and seasonal changes.

History of Bihu Dance

The roots of Bihu Folk Dance are soaked in the agricultural practices of Assam and its cultural traditions. Assamese festivities have included it since ancient days, going through changes yet retaining its core. The initial aim of the Bihu Dance was to celebrate harvests and the arrival of a new agricultural season. During Rongali Bihu, which marks the beginning of spring in Assam and Assamese New Year celebrations, villagers would unite to thank God for having provided them with rich harvests and also ask Him for a continuation of prosperity in farming. This would be accompanied by fast-beat rhythms on the dhol or the drum, the pepa, a horn, and the taal, actually cymbals.

Evolution Over Time

Through the course of history, the Bihu Folk Dance evolved with changing times due to various happenings and social changes. People of Assam, despite the challenges and impact posed by colonialism and external influences, managed to retain key elements of the Bihu Dance. Today, it is a blend of the traditional dance form along with contemporary styles, including the dancing skills of modern audiences that do not just lose their cultural identity altogether. 

Types of Bihu Dance

There are three major Bihu festivals wherein the Bihu Dance is performed. The Bihu festivals are significantly different from one another. Of these, the first one is

Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu)

Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu is celebrated in April. It is the most colorful among the other festivals. It marks the start of Assamese New Year and the season of spring. The Rongali Bihu Dance is full of strength and energy, as it meets the eager expectations regarding the new harvest season. Traditionally dressed performers dance openly while rhythmic sound from instruments like dhol, pepa, and taal provides music.

Kongali Bihu (Kati Bihu)

Kongali Bihu, which is also called Kati Bihu, occurs in October and signifies the conclusion of harvesting season. Kongali Bihu is less lively and colorful as compared to Rongali Bihu. Dance during this festival has slow gracefulness as it reflects harmony with the environment thereby characterizing its true spirit. Rituals and prayers for the well-being and successful crops of the community in the future are the main constituents of Kongali Bihu.

Bhogali Bihu (Magh Bihu)

Bhogali Bihu, which occurs in January, marks the completion of the harvest season by feasting and making merry. Bhogali Bihu Dance is an energetic and celebratory dance that brings out the complete rounded completion of the harvest. The whole community comes together and celebrates this festival by lighting bonfires, sharing traditional feasts, many other customs, and the like, wherein the dance is an essential part of the celebration.

Bihu Dance Costumes

Costumes assume great importance in the Bihu Folk Dance performance, showing how colorful Assamese culture is.

Women’s dress code

Women performing Bihu Dance wears a long skirt (Mekhela) with a draped wrap (Chador), both of which are forms of Mekhela Chador, an Assamese traditional dress. Often made from silk or cotton, Mekhela Chadors have intricate patterns painted on them. Bangles, earrings and necklaces are among the adornments that women wear to enhance their physical outlook as they dance.

Men’s dress code

A dhoti is generally worn by male dancers; it is simply a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist accompanied by a kurta (a long tunic). On top of that, they put on Gamosa - the Assamese towel usually thrown over one’s shoulders or resting on the neck sometimes decorated with red borders and designs at the ends. They may choose to add Japi – these are bamboo hats usually shaped in the shape of cones.

Music and Instruments

Music makes up an intrinsic part of the Bihu Folk Dance, for it is accompanied by rhythmic and melodious background work during performances.

Dhol

The Dhol is this long-established drum that renders the principal rhythm to the Bihu. It gets played by drumsticks to give off deep, resonating beats. These drumbeats set the pace for dance. It's made from wood and covered with the skin of some animals. Still, it is in the middle of the music in the Bihu Dance.

Pepaa

The Pepaa is a traditional horn, made of buffalo horn or bamboo, which yields high-pitched, melodic sounds that go very well with the rhythms produced by the Dhol. It adds a distinctive tone to the music and enhances the festive atmosphere.

Taal

The Taal is a kind of cymbal that is used as an added rhythmic accompaniment. Used in brass or bronze form, it is clapped together, to form a bright, ringing sound that is often considered a vital part of the rhythm of the Bihu Dance.

Bihu Dance in Today's World

With growing awareness about Bihu dance, it has gained recognition beyond the state of Assam, and it is respected across India and up to an international level. Traditionally, changes are incorporated within the dance to avoid the elimination of the traditional part.

World Recognition

The Bihu Folk Dance is showcased in numerous cultural festivals and international shows, all of which have embraced it as the identity of Assamese culture. Therefore, this will naturally increase the visibility of performances at international events for Assamese heritage and help appreciate Indian traditional art forms.

Inclusion of Modern Elements

Contemporary Bihu Dance performances demonstrate a detailed harmony between traditional and more modern forms. Innovations in choreography, music, and costumes keep the dance vibrant and foot-tapping. This fusion also ensures the Bihu Dance remains relevant to younger generations while keeping the cultural essence alive. 

Educational Efforts

Bihu Dance is primarily promoted as well as preserved through educational programs and workshops. Young people have been taught this dance in schools, cultural institutions and community centers instilling a sense of pride in their culture allowing proper continuation of the traditional arts.

The Benefits of Bihu Dance for Kids

The Bihu Folk dance is full of energy and joy. It’s a method to have some fun while learning something new for kids. Schools can spread awareness about Bihu dance among the students. Here are amazing benefits of this dance that can help to develop the child’s mind:

Physical Fitness: In all the twisting and jumping that happens in a Bihu dance, this becomes a physical exercise for children. With regular practice, children can achieve the fitness level of a sports person.

Cultural Connection: By learning how to do this form of culture; students develop a closeness with them. They get educated on other regions within Indian borders as well as learning to love them all.

Confidence Building: When one performs Bihu dance before an audience, one gains extra self esteem with assertiveness thus enabling one to take pride in their skills.

Social Skills: Bihu is performed in groups which promotes collaboration among the participants. The dancers learn about sharing space, rhythm together and thus being a team.

Creative expression: Emotions and creativity are expressed through Bihu when carried out by children. And the joyful music together with the bright costumes make it even more fun.

In summary, Bihu folk dance is not just some fun; it’s also one of those really great ways for kids to develop physically, socially and emotionally.

Conclusion

Assamese culture is a vibrant element of Bihu dance so it reflects the happiness, energy and togetherness of Assamese people. During Bihu festivals, this colorful dance has dynamic body movements, colorful dresses and musical tunes which show agricultural traditions in the area. Citizens of this nation must continue to celebrate and promote Bihu Folk Dance as a way to honor the rich cultural heritage of Assam while making sure that the vibrant tradition lives on as part of our identity over time.

 

Liked what you read? Then kindly share this article with your art-loving friends to spread the living, vibrant world of folk dance in Assamese culture. Let us join hands for the preservation of this rich heritage for generations to come!

 

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