Assam : Dance and Music

Dance and music are essential ingredients of Assam’s age old tradition. The state has its own folk and classical dance and music forms.

Some indigenous classical dance forms of Assam include Bhaona, Temple dances, and Oja-Pali. All these classical dances are of remote origin. The dances are performed on the same manner of Natya Shastra or Sanskrit treatises on dance.

Folk dances in Assam have the Husari & Bihunas, Dhuliya and Bhawariya, Deodhani, Zikirs, Mohauhau or Mahkheda and the Apsara-Sabah. These dances are mainly performed in groups.

Deodhani is associated with the worship of snake goddess Manasa. Musical instruments viz the drums, flute and other locally made instruments accompany the dance shows.