Bihu Folk Dance Festivals of Assam

Bihu is a folk dance form of Assam. Both men and women participate in this dance. It is unknown where Bihu was originated. But there are pieces of evidence that show that it has been in Assamese culture for a long time. This is a very important dance form for Assam people. 

Youths perform this dance on joyous occasions like festivals. In the beginning, this dance was limited to only some parts of the state. But later it became popular among the youths of other places. During British rule, this form was looked down upon due to the message it gives.

It celebrates the youthfulness of men and women. It is a dance done to celebrate and encourage fertility among fields and the population. This is why some dance steps are erotic. Men and women dance in a way that shows intimation between them. The dance is filled with passion, love, energy, and youthfulness.   

Bihu Dance Festivals

Bihu dance is associated with a festival that is celebrated in Assam. Although there are three Bihu festivals, Bohag Bihu is celebrated with much more energy than other festivals. Festivals are-

Bohag Bihu

Also called Rongali Bihu due to its colorful celebration. It is celebrated in the month of April. It is also called Rongali Bihu. It is the beginning of the Assamese new year according to the Assamese calendar. Bohag Bihu also celebrates the coming of the rainy season.

On the first day of Bohag Bihu fields are cultivated and cows are washed then decorated. To celebrate the festivals various types of sweets are made and then the dancing and singing start. It is celebrated for seven days and each day has a name. The other two festivals are celebrated only for one day each.   

Bhogali Bihu

Also known as Magh Bihu. It is celebrated in winter in the month of January. This festival is mainly about sports. Games like bullfights and cockfights are organized. People also gather a bonfire in which food items are thrown.    

Kongali Bihu

Another name Kati Bihu. it is celebrated in October during Autumn. This festival is celebrated much like Deewali when mud lamps are lit in houses and at fields. 

All these festivals are based on the crop cycle that goes around for the whole year. 

Instruments Used in Bihu Dance

• Drums
• Horn-pipes
• Aspepa
• Gogona
• Xutuli
• Bahi
• Taal
• Toka

Bihu Dance Costume

Both males and females have costumes that bring extra color in this performance. Although colors that are used in costumes are not that bright, Red, ‘the color of fertility is used’ very much. Women wear red blouse and red printed clothes. They wear a red bindi and red lipstick. Red color is associated with passion and love as it attracts young males and females towards each other. Red is also the color of fertility. 

Male dancers wear white dhoti, red printed shirt, a waist cloth, and headband. 

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