Assam has many traditions and its folk dances represents them in a lively way. There are many famous folk dances that originate from Assam.
1. Bihu Dance
- Assam’s Most Popular Traditional Dance
- People celebrate the Assamese New Year and the start of spring with this performance during Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu).
- The dance involves swift steps, musical hand gestures and typical Assamese clothes. Both men and women perform this dance, often while using the dhol, pepa (buffalo horn) and taal.
2. Bagurumba
- Performed by the people of the Bodo tribe in Assam.
- Theme: Nature worship — dancers mimic the movement of butterflies, birds, and nature.
- Known for its graceful, flowy movements and colorful attire.
- Accompanied by traditional instruments like the siphung (bamboo flute) and kham (drum).
3. Sattriya Nritya
- A classical dance form with folk origins, developed in Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras) by Srimanta Sankardev.
- Devotional music: The lyrics often share stories about Lord Krishna and other myths.
- Recognized as one of India’s eight classical dance forms, but has deep roots in Assamese folk culture
4. Jhumur Dance
- Popular among the tea tribes of Assam, especially in tea garden regions.
- Performed during festivals and celebrations.
- Features group formations and rhythmic movements.
- Often includes singing in unison with traditional instruments.
5. Deodhani Dance
- A ritual dance performed by women in honor of the goddess Manasa (serpent goddess).
- Dancers go into a trance-like state, and it includes martial-style movements.
- Connected to shamanistic and tantric traditions in Assam.
6. Ojapali
- A unique mix of narrative dance, song, and dramatic storytelling.
- Performed by a group of men, led by the “Oja” (lead singer).
- Often used to tell religious or mythological stories.
