9 Vibrant folk dance forms from the land of Assam

By Rimjim Bora

Assam has a rich heritage of various art forms, and folk dances contribute to the most part of it. Different ethnicities of the land share their diverse dance forms to celebrate the cultural legacy.

Let's have a look at 9 folk dances of Assame 

1.Bagurumba

It is the traditional dance of the Assam's Bodo people. 'Butterfly dance' is another name for it, as it mimics the movements of butterflies and birds. Women dressed in exquisite saffron Dokhona and Aronai primarily perform it at Baisagu.

2.Bhortal Nritya

Bhortal Nritya is a classical dance form that has developed into an extension of Barpeta's Sankariya culture. It was founded by renowned Sattriya artist Narahari Burha Bhakat.

3.Gumrag 

It is the traditional dance of the Mising community performed during their festival, Ali-Ai-Ligang. It is performed after a symbolic sowing ceremony and is accompanied by traditional music from drums and cymbals.

This classical dance form of Assam is popular all over the world and is among the 8 classical dances of India. It was created by the founder of Vaishnavism in Assam, Srimanta Sankardeva. 

Sattriya nritya

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5.Jhumur

It is a traditional dance form of "Adivasi" or Tea tribes community of Assam performed by both young boys and girls. The males play the instruments, and the women hold each other, forming a queue, and move along the beats. 

6.Deodhani

A connection exists between the Sukanani Oja-Pali and the Deodhani Nritya, which is found in Mangaldoi and the southwest Kamrup area. The Maa Kamakhya Temple celebrated the Deodhani Nritya as a festival. This dance is connected to the worship of Manasa, the snake goddess.

7.Ojapali

Oja-Pali is a classical Assamese dancing style. The groups of chorus singers and dancers are known as Oja-Pali. In addition to dancing, they tell epic tales while singing and playing little cymbals. They dress in a long-sleeved white kurta, Ghuri, Unti, bangles, and rings.

8.Bihu

The most popular folk dance of Assam, primarily performed during the festival of Bihu. The dancers wear traditional muga Mekhela Chador and dance to the rhythm of Dhol and pepa. It is performed in group of young boys and girls to celebrate any cultural event.

9.Thio Naam

It is an ancient Assamese dancing style established by Guru Srimanta Sankardeva. This dance is performed by a group of 25 to 30 people standing only, so it is called the Thiyo (Standing in Assamese) Dance. It began at the Barpeta Satra.

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