Welcome to the land of vibrant colors, rich culture, and melodious music – Assam. And when we talk about Assam’s cultural heritage, one of the very first things that come to mind is Bihu Dance! This traditional dance form of Assam has been around for centuries and continues to enthrall people with its colorful costumes, energetic movements, and soulful beats. So today, let’s dive deep into this fascinating folk tradition and explore everything there is to know about Bihu dance – from its history and different types to how you can perform it yourself!
What is Bihu Dance?
Bihu Dance is a traditional folk dance form that originated in the Indian state of Assam. It is usually performed during the Bihu festival, which marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle and celebrates the harvest season. The dance form has three main variations – Rongali or Bohag Bihu (performed in April), Kongali or Kati Bihu (performed in October) and Bhogali or Magh Bihu (performed in January).
Each variation of the dance has its own unique style and meaning. For instance, Rongali Bihu is full of excitement, energy, and joy as it signifies the arrival of springtime. On the other hand, Kongali Bihu is a solemn affair where people pray for a good harvest while Bhogali Bihu revolves around feasting and merrymaking.
The dancers wear colorful traditional costumes called mekhela chador for women and dhoti-kurta for men. The music accompanying this lively performance consists mainly of drums like dhols, pepa (a type of horn), taals (cymbals), etc.
Bihu Dance represents Assam’s rich cultural heritage steeped deep with tradition while still being relevant even today!
The Different Types of Bihu Dances
Bihu dance is not just a singular dance form, but rather a collection of various dances that are performed during different parts of the year. There are three main types of Bihu dances: Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu or Kati Bihu and Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu.
Bohag/Rongali bihu is celebrated in mid-April when the spring season arrives. This type of dance is high-spirited and involves vigorous movements accompanied by traditional instruments like dhol, pepa (hornpipe), taal (cymbals) and gogona.
Kongali/Kati bihu takes place in October during the autumn season. It’s more solemn as it marks a period when farmers wait for their crops to grow. In this type of dance, women carry earthen lamps called akashbanti while men play traditional instruments like tokta (bamboo clapper).
Bhogali/Magh bihu happens in January which signifies the end of harvest season and beginning of feasting time. The focus here is on food with participants indulging in eating competitions while playing musical instruments such as dhul and taka.
Each type has its unique characteristics that reflect Assam’s rural life and culture. Regardless if you’re an experienced dancer or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn about these vibrant folk traditions!
The History of Bihu Dance
Bihu dance is a vibrant folk tradition that originated in the northeastern state of Assam. The history of Bihu dance can be traced back to ancient times when it was performed as a form of worship during harvest festivals.
The word “Bihu” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Vishuvan”, which means “the changing seasons”. The three different types of Bihu dances represent each season – Bohag Bihu for spring, Kati Bihu for autumn and Magh Bihu for winter.
During ancient times, farmers used to celebrate the arrival of spring by performing this joyous dance as a way to thank God for a good harvest. However, over time, the festival has evolved into an expression of love and celebration between young men and women.
It was during medieval times that Ahom King Rudra Singha popularized this dance form among his courtiers. Since then, it has become an integral part of Assamese culture and is widely celebrated across the state during various occasions such as weddings, festivals or cultural events.
Despite its long history and rich cultural significance, many people outside Assam are still unfamiliar with Bihu dance. But this vibrant folk tradition continues to thrive in modern times thanks to efforts made by individuals who seek to preserve their heritage through art forms like these!
How to Perform Bihu Dance
Performing Bihu Dance is a fun and energetic experience that can be enjoyed by anyone. It involves quick, rhythmic movements of the feet, hands, and body in sync with traditional Assamese music. Here’s how to perform this vibrant dance:
1. Start with the basic posture: The dancer stands straight with feet slightly apart and arms resting at their sides.
2. Move your hips: Begin by moving your hips side-to-side while keeping your upper body still.
3. Add footwork: As the music becomes faster, add quick steps forward and backward.
4. Incorporate hand movements: Use hand gestures such as clapping or waving to match the rhythm of the music.
5. Embrace spontaneity: Bihu Dance is known for its improvisational nature, so don’t be afraid to add your own moves!
6. Wear appropriate attire: Traditional clothing such as dhoti-kurta for men or mekhela chador for women adds an authentic touch to your performance.
Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to performing Bihu Dance! With dedication and passion, you can master this lively folk tradition from Assam!
Bihu Dance Videos
Bihu dance is a vibrant and energetic folk dance that has captured the hearts of people all around the world. With its unique blend of music, rhythm, and colorful costumes, it’s no wonder why Bihu dance videos have become so popular online.
In these videos, viewers can witness the beauty and grace of this beautiful dance form performed by skilled dancers in various locations across India. From traditional village settings to modern stages, Bihu dance videos showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam.
Some Bihu dance videos feature group performances where many dancers come together to create a stunning display of synchronized movements while others focus on solo performances that highlight individual skills and techniques.
With each video offering something new and exciting, there’s always something for everyone when it comes to watching Bihu dance online. So if you’re looking for an entertaining way to learn about Assamese culture or just want to enjoy some fantastic dancing, be sure to check out some Bihu Dance Videos today!
Conclusion
The Bihu dance is an integral part of Assam’s vibrant cultural heritage. It reflects the state’s rich history and tradition in a unique way, showcasing its diverse ethnicity and customs. Whether it is the joyous spring festival or the solemn harvest season, Bihu dance remains an important aspect of Assamese culture.
Through this blog post, we have explored different aspects of Bihu dance – from its origin to various styles and techniques. Along with that, we have also provided some useful tips on how to perform this energetic folk dance form.
We hope that our readers found this article informative and engaging. We encourage everyone to take a closer look at Assam’s fascinating culture by exploring more about their traditional dances such as Bihu Dance.
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