Top 5 Most Popular Folk Dances of Assam

 One of the seven northeastern states of India, Assam encompasses several ethnic communities. Folk dances can be found in various tribes of Assam. Here is a list of the top 5 most popular folk dance forms of Assam.

• Bihu

Image: © Abhijit Dehingia/IG

Bihu comes from Assam in northeastern India. Bihu is an indigenous folk dance. It is usually practiced during the Bihu festival. Traditionally the dance is performed by both men and women, and the movements are characterized by quick steps and rapid hand movements. It is often traced to pre-historic times with references like “Sculptures considered to belong to the 9^th century and depicting a type of dance which looks like that of the Bihu have been found near Tezpur in the Darrang district.

• Bagurumba

Image: hinduperformingart/IG

Bagurumba is a traditional folk dance of the Bodo people. This dance is from the state of Assam in northeastern India. It is usually performed by young girls as they spread and wave stroke both their hands with the Aronai (dupatta) in it, and it looks like a colorful butterfly flying around. Bagurumba is characterized by smoothness and unfolding in a slow process with outstretched hand movements. The dance is an amalgamation of rhythm and vivacity finding reflection in the cadence and melody of the music. The dancers swing and twist, bend and unbend, at times and give the impression of a cheerful fluttering butterfly.

• Jhumur

Image: Ankita Chatterjee

Jhumur is a traditional folk dance form of the Indian state of Assam of the Tea tribes’ community. It is performed by both men and women. The male dancers wear long white traditional dresses and keep the rhythm musical instruments, generally Dhol and Taal (two metallic discs). The female mostly performs the dancing part, movements of each other’s waist, moving hands and both legs forward and backward.

• Bhortal

Image: sattriyadancer - Meenakshi

Bhortal is one of the most popular folk dances of Assam. It is performed in a group. Six or seven male dancers generally present the Bhortal dance, which can also be performed in large groups. The dance movements are characterized such that they can produce some very colorful patterns.

• Baidima

A beautiful Dimasa girl is dancing the Baidima dance

Baidima is a cultural folk dance of the Dimasa community. It is performed by both males and females during the Busu Dima, an annual harvest festival. Baidima is characterized by smooth and graceful movements. To clap three times, the hands are used to move up and down once at the waist.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many folk dances are there in Assam?

Ans:- In Assam, there are folk dances found in various ethnic groups of Assam.

• Which is the folk dance of Assam?

Ans:- Bihu is the main folk dance of Assam.

• What is Bodo dance called?

Ans:- Bagurumba is a traditional folk dance of the Bodo tribe.

• What are the 5 folk or traditional dances of Assam?

Ans:- 

1. Bihu
2. Baidima
3. Bagurumba
4. Jhumar
5. Bhortal