Folk Dances of Assam: Beautiful Dance Forms With Its Pictures!
The Folk Dances of Assam is a demonstration of the lively social legacy of the state. These moves engage as well as act as a vehicle for communicating feelings, praising celebrations, and safeguarding customs. They typify the soul and character of the Assamese public, mirroring their affection for nature, dedication, and local area holding. By advancing and safeguarding these captivating dance structures, Assam keeps its social roots alive and welcomes the world to encounter the enchantment and excellence of its rich legacy. In this article, there is detailed information about the Folk dances of Assam with its pictures too.
The Folk Dances of Assam Names Are Here
Bihu Dance
The Bihu dance is the most popular folk dance of Assam performed during the Rongali, Kongali, and Bhogali Bihu festivals. Dancers form a circle holding hands and move in rhythmic steps to the beats of traditional drums like ‘dhol’ and ‘Pepa’. The dance depicts scenes from daily life and Assamese culture.
Cheraw Dance
The Cheraw dance is performed by the tribes of Karbi Anglong. It is performed during festivities by forming circles with men and women dancing together. Dancers move rhythmically raising and stamping their feet to the beats of gongs and drums.
Kaati Dance
The Kaati dance is performed by the Bodo tribe during Kaati or Bohag Bihu. Holding hands, dancers move in circles singing folksongs while enjoying the festive spirit. The dance is lively and energetic with fast footwork and rhythmic body movements.
Deodhani Dance
Mystical Spirits in Motion Deodhani dance is a unique folk dance of Assam performed by a special group of dancers known as “Deodhani.” These dancers are believed to be possessed by divine spirits during their performances. The Deodhani dance is characterized by intricate footwork, dramatic expressions, and captivating gestures. It combines elements of storytelling, mythology, and spiritual practices, leaving the audience spellbound.
Jhumur Dance
Embracing Cultural Diversity Jhumur dance is a folk dance form that showcases the cultural diversity of Assam. It is performed by various communities, including tea tribes and tribes from the eastern region of the state. Synchronized group formations, lively footwork, and colorful scarves characterize Jhumur dance. The dancers move to the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, depicting stories of love, nature, and everyday life.
Bihu Naati
Bihu Naati is a traditional dance performed during Bihu festivals. Groups of male and female dancers form circles and move rhythmically to the beats of drums. The dance mimics the graceful movements of birds along with the folk songs of Assam.
Naurasaa Dance
Naurasaa is a traditional dance of the Ahom community. The dance involves a swaying of the upper body with gentle hand movements performed during religious ceremonies. It depicts stories from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata through dance movements.
Sattriya Dance
Devotion in Motion Sattriya dance is a classical dance form that originated in the monastic institutions of Assam, known as “Sattras.” It has deep roots in Vaishnavism, a major sect of Hinduism. This dance form beautifully combines grace, storytelling, and devotional elements. The dancers, clad in traditional attire, depict various episodes from Hindu mythology through their expressions and movements. Sattriya dance is a visual treat that evokes a sense of spirituality and devotion.
Bagurumba Dance
Celebrating Womanhood and Nature The Bagurumba dance is a folk dance performed by the Bodo community of Assam. It is often associated with the celebration of the Bwisagu festival, which commemorates the arrival of spring. The dance is performed by women, who wear colorful traditional attire and dance in sync with the rhythmic beats of traditional musical instruments. The graceful movements of the dancers resemble the swaying of the “Bagurumba” (areca nut tree), celebrating womanhood and the beauty of nature.
Significance Of Folk Dances of Assam
The folk dance of Assam hold great cultural, social, and traditional significance for the people of Assam:
- They reflect the agrarian lifestyle and close connection to the nature of the Assamese people. The dance movements mimic the activities of farming, fishing, weaving, etc.
- The dances depict stories, myths, and rituals that are an important part of the cultures and traditions of the ethnic groups in Assam. The dance moves and songs convey values and lessons.
- They are performed during important festivals and occasions to celebrate and seek blessings from nature deities and ancestors. The dances unite people and strengthen community bonds.
- They help preserve and pass on the diverse cultural heritages and traditions of the ethnic groups to new generations. Without these folk dances, a big part of Assam’s culture would be lost.
- The costumes, jewelry, face paints, and headgears worn during dances represent the ethnic identities of the groups. They symbolize their unique cultures and histories.
- The folk dances provide livelihood and means of expressing creativity for many artists and performers. They keep the traditional art forms alive.
- They attract tourists and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam to the world. This contributes to the state’s tourism industry.
In conclusion, the rich array of folk dances in Assam reflects the cultural diversity of the state. These dances have evolved from the daily lives, rituals, and festivals of the various ethnic communities. The famous folk dance of Assam names helps preserve traditional values and Assam’s unique cultural heritage for future generations.
