Folk Dance of Assam: History, Famous Dance, Cultural Significance & More

This northeastern part of India—Assam—is huge in cultural heritage and showcases folk dance in a very vibrant way. Assam folk dance is an artistic performance meant to reflect the different traditions, festivals, and community lives of the state.These dances form part and parcel of Assamese identity for the expression of merriment, such as harvest seasons, through religious and important social events. This paper explores the folk dance of Assam, the different forms of the dance, its history, cultural importance, and the role it plays in the Assamese lifestyle.

Historical Background of the Assamese Folk Dance

Ancient History

The folk dance of Assam represents ancient cultural and religious practices because it symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and natural bond. The religious and agricultural seasons are the times of the year when most folk dances are conducted.

Influence of Different Dynasties

The Varman, Koch and Ahom dynasties have influenced the Assamese folk dance as new forms were adapted as traditional ones were developed, and who enriched the fabric of the Assamese culture.

Impact of the Colonial Period

The colonial period it played a crucial role in Assam's socio-political scenario. It set up new customs and also aroused an interest in the restoration and renovation of the Assamese folk dances.

Revival in the Post-Independence Age

In the post-colonial period, the conventional dances of Assam, primarily Bihu and Satriya dances of Assam were rediscovered and critically examined.

Famous Dances of Assam for kids

Bihu Dance

Assamese Bihu dance, a famous folk dance, celebrates spring and the Assamese New Year, symbolizing collective happiness during harvesting with colorful costumes and instruments.

Sattriya Dance

Sattriya is a very ancient style of dance derived from the Vaishnavite monasteries, displaying the teachings of Srimanta Sankardev. It is performed in religious activities, festivals, done with elaborate costumes, and includes hand dance postures accompanied by traditional musical instruments.

Bagurumba

The Bagurumba dance is a traditional dance form of Assam. It is an Assamese folk dance of the Bodo community, reflecting the richness and grace of Assamese culture. The dancing takes place during festivals or ceremonies. Fluidity of body movements and repeated costume changes are prominent features so that it remains culturally relevant.

Jhumur Dance

The Jhumur dance is a folk dance traditional to the tea tribes of Assam. It showcases their culture and experiences of tea tribes in its performance, which is usually carried on during social gatherings and festivals. It originates from the colonial tea estate and consists of fast rhythm steps with folk songs, entertaining and consolidating community and continuity in culture.

Khel Dance

The dance Khel of the Karbi tribe rejuvenates the body of the cultural stories and beliefs that are represented in the vibrant attire and the rhythmic body movements. It comes alive with a dozen feet, the movement of hands, and traditional instruments like drums and flutes.

Cultural Significance of the Famous Folk Dances of Assam

Basically, folk dances of Assam depict the festivals of Bihu, Durga Puja, and Magh Bihu, the most elaborate festivals that display the cultural life of Assam and celebrate major life events.

Bihu Festival

Bihu, Assam's most significant festival, represents the New Year and spring arrival, celebrated in three pauses: Rongali Bihu in April, Kongali Bihu in October, and Bhogali Bihu in January.

Durga Puja

This Hindu festival of Assam is celebrated in traditional ways where dance and devotional music are performed in devotion to the goddess Durga. This ceremony creates a holy atmosphere amidst worship and jubilation.

Magh Bihu

This celebration of Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu marks the end of the harvest period and the beginning of the new year of the Assamese, which involves community feasts, bonfires, and traditional dances. 

Social and Ritualistic Functions

Other than the festivals, Assamese folk dances are also performed prominently on several social and ritual functions; these functions mark various stages of life and build a stronger bond among the members of society.

Marriages

The traditional way an Assamese marriage takes place involves folk dances like that of Bihu and Jhumur. These dances symbolize the new beginning of life and the great joy an individual acquires from the support of society.

Community Meetings

Assamese Folk Dances are performed during community meetings to promote harmony, cherish traditions, and strengthen social bonds; they are a collective voice that resounds community values and norms.

Rituals

Assamese folk dances are a significant ritual practice, highlighting the deep connection between dance and religion, promoting cultural continuity and enhancing social cohesiveness within society.

Preservation of Tradition

Education

Practicing the traditional forms of the folk dances of Assam are entertained in the Assam schools, cultural sectors, and community groups.

Documentations and Research

The present documentation, on Assamese traditional folk dances' history, choreography, and musical elements accompanying the same, becomes a very important subject matter for the future generation.

Cultural festivals and performances

The communities, through cultural festivals and performances to a wider audience both locally and internationally, keep the relevance and vibrancy of the traditional dances of Assam.

Community Participation

Local communities practiced significantly through folk dances performed through displays, rituals, and festivals which safeguard their cultural identity, and ordinary life in a way is preserved with active involvement by themselves in the complete processes.

Costumes and Music

Costumes

The costumes of the  Folk Dance of Assam are as varied and colorful as the dances themselves. Every region and every tribe have their exclusive costume styles associated with them. These dresses enhance the visual beauty and cultural importance of performances.

Assamese Bihu Dance Costume: It is one of the most famous folk dances of Assam. In this, the man is dressed up in a dhoti and kurta, whereas the woman is dressed up in a mekhela chador. Fully designed fine jewelry is done with women, and men are dressed in a simple cloth with a "jaapi" on the head.

Sattriya Dance Costume: The Vaishnavite dance, originating in Assam's Vaishnavite monasteries, features intricate costumes and highly decorated jewelry, with female dancers wearing silk dresses and traditional accessories.

Bagurumba Dance Costume: The traditional Bagurumba dance performed by the Bodo community represents their age-old culture. Women dress colorfully in shawls, skirts, and ornaments, while men wear graceful outfits and show elegant gestures, paying their respect to the traditional costume.

Jhumur Dance Costume: Performed with vibrant costumes typical of the Jhumur dance, including vividly coloured sarees, typical blouses, and the complementary accessories that seem to carry an atmosphere of the cultural identity of the tea tribes in Assam.

Khel Dance Costumes: The Karbi tribe's Khel dance uses colorful and symbolic costumes, in which female performers wear a very attractive type of shawl and skirt, while male performers wear a decorative head dress and armlet based on popular cultural stories and beliefs.

Musical Instrument

Music in Assamese ethnic dances provides both rhythmic and melodic backdrops for vocal music to heighten performance and strike balances between the different techniques in the dances.

Dhol: Dhol has been termed a very famous, traditional drum used in Assamese folk dances like Bihu and Jhumur. Holding responsibility for the setting of the rhythmic beats that force the tempo of the dance infinitely, it is done with great enthusiasm and community spirit.

Pepa: Pepa is one of the most recognized horns used in most Assamese folk dances, especially Bihu and Bagurumba. It gives a melodious sound that is far from being ordinary with its rhythmic beating.

Khol: This is a traditional drum in the performance that is made using clay and wood; it is barrel-shaped with a very unique sound that helps make the complex choreography possible. 

Gogona: A traditional folk musical instrument from Assam, played by plucking the strings to be placed inside the mouth, thus making it more lively and festive on celebratory occasions.

Flute: The flute, a crucial instrument in Assamese folk dances, provides melodic and tranquil music that complements other instruments, enhancing the fluency and grace of the performances.

The Role of Famous Folk Dances in Modern Assam

Cultural Festivals

Modern festivals as well as cultural events have a great role in preserving the folk dance of Assam. Such celebrations provide a distinct platform for the traditional performance as well as unification of the ethnic people around the culture of the region .

Regional Festivals

The regional festivals of folk dance that include Bihu, Magh Bihu as well as Durga Puja are absolutely celebrative in their form and also monumental cultural relations among the local people consequently creating a tribal diversity.

Cultural Shows

Assam Mahotsav along with North East Festival exposes the tradition of folk in Assam for tourists and cultural exchange. Government and non-governmental organizations promote cultural heritage through events.

Cultural and Educational Programs

The educational and cultural programs play a central role in learning and embracing this folk dance in Assam because they act as a way of passing the history to generations.

School Curriculums

In Assam, schools participate in the cultural programs as stipulated by most of the school curricula of the State as part of habituating students to the various dance forms that they learn through practice, workshops, etc., for developing an interest for Assamese dance.

Cultural Institutions

These are cultural institutions that provide facilities for traditional dance programs, resources, training, and performance opportunities while promoting and preserving the tradition of folk dances. 

Community Programs

These are the places to which dance and cultural programs are being presented within the community centers and organizations that still hold traditional practices—preserved through the active participation of members, young and old alike while instilling cultural pride identically through the learning of the folk dances.

Festivals and Competitions

Assamese folk dance is an important part of Assam's culture, and the various institutions and cultural organizations hold festive dances and competitions that include Assamese folk dance, binding community members closer together as well as creating competition between them to maintain the authenticity and originality of its dances.

Future of Folk Dance in Assam

The future of folk dance in Assam, despite being full of opportunities, holds a challenging state as stated below:

Preservation and Promotion

Bihu, Bagurumba, and sattriya are some of the traditional Assam folk dances that need preservation. Diverse government and nongovernment organizations provide documentation and ensure their preservation and promotion to a global audience through global festivals and workshops.

Integration with New Media

Modern media fits as an excellent integrator in digital platforms that allow vast scope in covering larger audiences mainly from the young generation. Folk dance performances shared on social media, streaming platforms, and as virtual reality experiences can attract attention and appreciation worldwide.

Educational Initiatives

Propagate folk dance of assam in school and college education to breed a new generation of young dancers and audiences. We need dance academies and cultural institutions on a large scale to teach and innovate traditional forms.

Fusion with Contemporary Style.

Traditional folk dance fused with contemporary dance forms and music create a new innovative performance that attracts young children and brings alive the traditional elements.

Cultural Tourism

It will gain increased visibility through the promotion of folk dances of assam as a sub-tourism sector. Festivals and dance tours create an appealing atmosphere and are tourist attraction agents for increasing the rate of cultural exchange.

Community Effort

Community participation in the preservation and performance of folk dances ensures vivid living of the tradition in the face of civilization. Involvement of people at the grassroots is very essential for maintenance of authenticity while changing with the times.

Conclusion

The folk dance of Assam is full of a lot of bright colors and says a lot about the state's rich history, different traditions, as well as communal values. By learning and appreciating traditional dances of Assam, we not only celebrate the cultural heritage of this state but also contribute to preserving the peculiar artistic expression of this land for future generations.

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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