Preview

Bihu Dance of Assam

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1652 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Bihu Dance of Assam
Bihu Dance of Assam

The Bihu dance is a folk dance from the North Eastern Indian state of Assam. It is most related to the festival more commonly known as the Rongali Bihu. This festival is the most anticipated and is celebrated with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. The festival brings together all the Assamese people, disregarding of their caste, creed and religious beliefs and ways of life. For the people of Assam, Bihu is not just an important festival but also a time to celebrate their livelihood and cultural traditions. This celebration is traced all the way back to 3500 B.C. when it was originally celebrated for a month but now is only celebrated for a week. The land of is filled with fairs and festivals. The colorful festivals of Assam reflect the culture, tradition and lifestyle of Assam. Most of the festivals celebrated have their roots in the diverse faith and belief of the people. The three main dances of Bihu are they way the Assamese people follow what is going on in the festival. Bohag Bihu is the most important day of all and the most important dance; this day/dance begins with the sowing of seeds, Kaati Bihu marks the complete process of sowing and transplanting of paddies and the Magh Bihu marks the end of the harvesting period. All the three Bihu festivals of Assam are related to harvesting. Being a agriculture based state, Assam, has always marked this Bihu as the symbol of joy. Traditionally Bihu is celebrated with Bihu dance and Bihu Geets (songs) in the village fields and courtyards, with groups of youths going from house to house, singing Bihu songs, which are known as Husori. Husorti is just a form of singing in the Indian culture. The same practice slowly got transformed to holding community functions mainly in towns and cities where cultural functions are held; such functions are based on Bihu dance and Bihu geets (songs) which depict mainly Bihu dances and songs. Competitions are held and performing group from every corner of Assam



Bibliography: 1. "Amazon.com: Clothing Matters: Dress and Identity in India (9780226789767): Emma Tarlo: Books." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & More. Web. 15 Mar. 2011. . 2. "Assam." Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre. Web. 15 Mar. 2011. . 3. "Bihu Dance | Flickr - Photo Sharing!" Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing. Web. 15 Mar. 2011. 4. "Bihu Festival, Assam Bihu Dance Festival, Bihu Famous Festival of Assam." North East India, Things To See in North East India, Tourism in NE India : North East India. Web. 15 Mar. 2011. . 5. Bora, Mukut. "Bihu Dance of Assam." Http://nasadiyarts.com. 2008. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. . 6. Gajrani, S. History, Religion and Culture of India: in 6 Volumes. Delhi: Isha, 2004. Print. 7. Sinha, Aakriti. "Bih u (Assam)." Let 's Know Dances of India. 1st ed. New Delhi: Star Publications, 2006. 23. Print. 8. Sharma, S. P., and Seema Gupta. Fairs and Festivals of India. New Delhi: Hindoology, 2006. Print.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    The Rongmei(Ruangmei), are an indigenous Naga tribe living in the states of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in North-East India. They were divided when the official boundaries were set by the Government of India.Originally, they shared the same history and traditions with the kindred tribes of the Zeliangrong i.e., Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei, along with Inpui(Kabui). But due to dialect differences these kindred or cognate groups have adopted their own separate identities today. Most Rongmei live in the Tamenglong district of Manipur. Some of the Rongmeis reside in Imphal valley, the capital city of Manipur. In Nagaland they are settled in Kohima, Dimapur and Jalukie. In Assam the Rongmei are found in North Cachar and Silchar areas. Rongmei tribe is one of the major tribes of Manipur. The Rongmei are patrilineal and patriarchal. The Rongmei dance is the most popular dance of Manipur. Gaan-Ngai is their biggest festival, celebrated annually in December or January.…

    • 3933 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Few countries have diverse and ancient cultures. India’s can be tracked back for over 5,000 years. The success of the culture has been improved by the waves of migration, which they absorbed in their ways of life. It’s this variety that is a distinguished symbol in India. The religious,…

    • 1272 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    * Gupte, B. A. Hindu Holidays and Ceremonials, with Dissertations on Origin, Folklore and Symbols,. Calcutta: Thacker, Spink &, 1919. Print.…

    • 360 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    White Deerskin Dance

    • 541 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The White Deerskin Dance of the Hupa Indian tribe was a ceremonial dance that symbolized the regeneration or renewal of their society, and functioned as an important “part of the ritual calendar that makes up the religious life of the tribe and it expresses the supernatural sentiments of the people in their most poignant form” (Goldschmidt et al., 121). The ceremony served “to wipe out the evil brought into the world by members of the society who have broken taboos” (Goldschmidt et al., 121); as these white deerskins were seen as a sacred mascot “which will protect the owner and his friends from every trouble” (Pierce 9). The dance commenced after a ceremonial ground was selected “between the several places of importance (Goldschmidt et al.,…

    • 541 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Pakistani Folk Dances

    • 886 Words
    • 4 Pages

    • Attan - Folk dance of Pashtuns tribes of Pakistan including the unique styles of Quetta and Waziristan…

    • 886 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Draper, A. S. (2003). India: A primary source cultural guide. New York: Rosen Publishing Group.…

    • 1719 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    Cited: Gopal, Sangita, and Sujata Moorti. Global Bollywood : travels of Hindi song and dance .…

    • 2297 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Bharatnatyam

    • 2615 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Bharatanatyam is a Sanskrit word, which means the dance of Bharata (India). True to its name, it is one of the oldest and most popular dance forms of India. It originated in the temples of Southern India and was later codified and documented as a performing art by the Tanjore Quartet. It is now the most popular Indian classical dance and is appreciated worldwide.…

    • 2615 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The History of Dance

    • 9225 Words
    • 37 Pages

    Dance, movements orchestrated with music, to express the way you feel. The first forms of dance came around in 6000 B.C, originating from India. The Hindu dance Gods Krishnu Shiva is the most common God portrayed through dance, especially found in Bharata Natyam and Nyark Sharky, also known as Belly Dance. In Southeast India, it is normal as a young female to learn the ways of Bharata Natyam. Bharata Natyam is widely known for its sculpturesque poses and art of story telling, mostly performed only by females, but as time progressed it is accepted by both sexes. The dances illustrate a deep devotion to the deities; dancers are married to the deity. Devadasi also known as temple dancers usually illustrated their devotion to the Gods the most, performing "in front" of the Gods, or at festivals in honor of them. Bharata Natyam captures the true meaning of dance drama, the dance routines tell a story, creating theatrical unity and wholeness in the meditative mind.…

    • 9225 Words
    • 37 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    This is one of the few Islamic celebrations when other people get to join them in their festivities.They have food and sweets in the streets and dancing. They sing all night. Sufi Holiya is a festival in Sudan that is held in honor of the Sudanese saints and sheiks. The gathering of people of all ethnicities and social rankings who dance and hug in the streets. This part of the festival is called Hadra. The festival-goers sing traditional hymns and songs. They hold a large parade that passes through many culturally significant, and amazing…

    • 561 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Ceremonial dance of American Indians is often referred to as a religion, although most American Indians would argue is more of a practice of their spirituality and well being. They embrace ceremonies as a way to help overcome the difficulties of life, such as, marriage, death, war, and weather. The rituals unite in community and give recognition to their ancestor and nature. Therefore, American Indians have created and practiced their own diverse types of dance thru movement, costumes, and beliefs.…

    • 1423 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism borne in India and followed by 25% of the world's population…

    • 772 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    India is a land where the life of its people is beautified with festivals. Festival is acelebration of the changing seasons, harvest, reconciliation and the birth anniversaries of saints, gurus and prophets and honours the gods and goddesses.…

    • 2150 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    The main distinguishing feature between Kandyan and Sabaragamu dancing, and Ruhunu dancing, is that Ruhunu dancers wear masks.…

    • 1902 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    contribution of a diverse culture in the country, the level of uniqueness and enchantment of…

    • 12624 Words
    • 42 Pages
    Powerful Essays

Related Topics