Written: Jul 10, 2024 | Updated: Jul 15, 2024
Assam, the land of the mighty Brahmaputra, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which is beautifully reflected in its diverse dance forms. The state is home to a variety of classical, folk, and tribal dances, each with its unique style, vibrant costumes, and significant cultural importance. This article explores the various dance forms of Assam, highlighting their occasions, costumes, props, and the essence they bring to the region's cultural tapestry.
Sattriya, one of the eight classical dance forms of India, originated in Assam. It was introduced by the great saint Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th century as a medium for spreading the Vaishnavite religion. Performed in the satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), Sattriya dance has a strong devotional aspect.
Occasion: Sattriya is traditionally performed during religious occasions, festivals, and ceremonies in the satras. It is also showcased in cultural festivals and classical dance events.
Costume: The dancers wear traditional Assamese silk costumes, usually in white or off-white, adorned with red or golden borders. Female dancers wear the 'mekhela chador' while males don the 'dhoti' and 'chadar'.
Props: Props used in Sattriya include cymbals (khol), traditional Assamese drums, and elaborate headgear.
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Bihu is the most popular folk dance of Assam, performed during the Rongali Bihu festival, which marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. This dance form is a celebration of life, love, and fertility.
Occasion: Performed during the Rongali Bihu festival in mid-April.
Costume: Male dancers wear dhotis and gamochas (a traditional Assamese cloth), while female dancers wear the mekhela chador in bright colors like red, green, and yellow, adorned with traditional Assamese jewelry.
Props: Musical instruments like dhol, pepa (buffalo horn pipe), gogona, and taal are used to enhance the dance performance.
Jhumur is a folk dance performed by the tea tribes of Assam. It is a significant part of their cultural and social life, reflecting the joy and hardships of their daily lives.
Occasion: Performed during festivals, social gatherings, and community celebrations.
Costume: Female dancers wear traditional sarees with heavy jewelry, while male dancers wear dhotis and kurtas.
Props: Handkerchiefs and small sticks are used as props in this dance form.
Deodhani dance is performed in honor of the snake goddess Manasa. This folk dance involves intricate movements and is believed to have a trance-like effect on the performers.
Occasion: Performed during religious festivals dedicated to goddess Manasa, especially in the month of August.
Costume: Female dancers wear traditional Assamese mekhela chador with elaborate jewelry, while male dancers wear dhotis and kurtas.
Props: Props include swords and shields, symbolizing the fierce nature of the goddess.
The Bodo dance is an essential part of the cultural identity of the Bodo tribe. It is performed during various festivals and community gatherings, showcasing the tribe's rich traditions and way of life.
Occasion: Performed during the Bwisagu festival, which marks the beginning of the Bodo New Year.
Costume: Male dancers wear traditional dhotis and gamochas, while female dancers wear dokhna, jwmgra (a type of shawl), and aronai (a traditional scarf).
Props: Traditional musical instruments like serja (a string instrument), sifung (flute), and kham (drum) are used during the performance.
The Mising dance is performed by the Mising tribe of Assam. It is a vibrant and energetic dance form that reflects the tribe's close connection with nature.
Occasion: Performed during the Ali-Ai-Ligang festival, which is celebrated to mark the beginning of the sowing season.
Costume: Female dancers wear mekhela chador in bright colors with traditional jewelry, while male dancers wear dhotis and shawls.
Props: The dancers use bamboo sticks and traditional musical instruments like the gogona, flutes, and drums.
The Karbi dance is performed by the Karbi tribe and is an integral part of their cultural heritage. This dance form is characterized by its rhythmic movements and traditional songs.
Occasion: Performed during the Rongker festival, which is held to appease the local deities for a bountiful harvest.
Costume: Female dancers wear pe-kok (a type of skirt) and piba (a traditional top), while male dancers wear choi-ong (a type of loincloth) and vekok (a traditional shirt).
Props: Traditional musical instruments like the chong (a type of drum), kling-klong (cymbals), and bamboo flutes are used in the performance.
The Tiwa dance is performed by the Tiwa tribe of Assam. It is a lively and colorful dance form that reflects the tribe's cultural traditions and social life.
Occasion: Performed during the Jonbeel Mela, a unique festival that involves barter trade and community celebrations.
Costume: Female dancers wear traditional mekhela chador in vibrant colors, while male dancers wear dhotis and colorful shawls.
Props: Traditional musical instruments like the dhol, taal, and pepa are used during the performance.
In Assam, dance troupes play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the state's rich cultural heritage. These troupes, often managed by professional dance group providers and Assam dance institutes, train dancers in various classical, folk, and tribal dance forms. They participate in cultural festivals, national and international events, and provide performances for various occasions.
Assam dance troupe providers are instrumental in keeping the traditional dance forms alive. They ensure that the dancers are well-trained and maintain the authenticity of the dance styles. These providers also play a significant role in organizing cultural events and festivals, thereby promoting Assam's cultural heritage on a larger scale.
Several Assam dance institutes offer professional training in different dance forms. These institutes not only train dancers but also conduct research and document the various dance traditions of Assam. They play a vital role in preserving and promoting the state's cultural heritage.
The dance forms of Assam are a vibrant reflection of the state's rich cultural heritage. From the classical Sattriya dance to the energetic Bihu and the diverse tribal dances, each dance form has its unique charm and significance. The vibrant costumes, traditional props, and rhythmic movements make these dance forms a visual delight.
Assam dance troupe providers and dance institutes play a crucial role in preserving and promoting these traditional dance forms. They ensure that the dancers are well-trained and maintain the authenticity of the dance styles. By organizing cultural events and festivals, they help in showcasing Assam's cultural heritage to a broader audience.
Whether it's the devotional Sattriya dance, the joyous Bihu dance, or the colorful tribal dances, each dance form of Assam tells a unique story and adds to the rich tapestry of the state's cultural heritage. For anyone interested in exploring the cultural diversity of Assam, witnessing these dance performances is a must.
the dance forms of Assam are not just a means of entertainment but a significant part of the state's cultural identity. They reflect the traditions, beliefs, and way of life of the people of Assam. By promoting and preserving these dance forms, we can ensure that the rich cultural heritage of Assam continues to thrive for generations to come.
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