Bardhuliya

This art form is performed by men (Dhuliyas) in groups of 10 or more. Dhuliyas play  Bardhol which is a cylindrical percussion instrument measuring about 1 mtr. in length & 1/2 mtr. in diameter. The Bardhuliyas speciallise in exhibition of rhythmic somersaults while playing the Bardhol. Bardhuliyas perform in religious occasions such as Deul in spring, the Mothenee in Kati (Nov. in Julian calendar) month, Durga festival (mid. of Oct.) or other ceremonies.

Bardhol Sequence,(301 kB)

Ojapali

Byah Ojapali

Sukananni Ojapali

Ojapali is one of the unique form of arts of Darrang which involves three art forms - Song, Dance and Drama. It is performed by a group of  4 or 5 men of whom the chief performer is called Oja who is supported by 3 to 4 Palis, and hence the name Ojapali.. The only instrument played by Ojapali is Khutitaal (palm sized Cymbal). The performers wear long sleeved white gowns, silver jewelry etc. and Nupur (bundle of tiny metallic percussions played by body vibrations).

Ojapali can be divided into 2 forms basing on the occasion & style: Byah and Sukananni. As the history goes, there were two very talented singers named Barbyahu & Sarubyahu during Koch Kingdom. They were often invited by Kings to sing various mythological & religious rhymes. With time, their style got popular among people of the area.

The central  subject of this Byah Ojapali are the epics - Ramayana & Mahabharata. Unlike other Ojapali forms, the story is sung in pure classical style involving Ragas. A noticeable element of this form is the different Mudras (Gestures of hands & fingers). Dance is another key part of the performance. To make the presentation interesting & make people understand, they perform humorous dialogues & narrations in between.

Sukananni Ojapali aims at presenting the tragic story of Behulaa-Lakhindar from Padma Purana among the masses. The easy yet high standard rhyme is accompanied by pleasant rhythm, tune and dance.  Different Mudras are remarkable part of this form also. The team dances here too. This art is performed normally during Manasa Puja (Worship of Goddess of Serpents). The Ojapalis first praise various gods & goddesses and then gradually move to the epic of Behula-Lakhindar.  Though  the presentation is targeted for the mass, it maintains high dignity & standard.

Lalit Oja of Sipajhar area of the district has been awarded   the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy award for his expertise in Sukananni Ojapali and for contribution in popularising this traditional folk art form.

Part of Sukananni Ojapali,(239 kB)

Siyan Geet (Songs)

This form of folk song was introduced by followers of Sri Sankaradeva. It is almost similar to the common Assamese Lokageet or folk-song. The content of these songs is mostly Hindu mythology.

Part of a Siyan Folk-Song,(145 kB)

A full Siyan Folk-Song (low quality, 301 kB)

Dehbichaar Geet( Songs)

Another kind of folk song, often called Mangaldaiya folksong, perhaps introduced in post Sankaradeva period, and follows this culture. The content is spiritual & mystic, rather than religious, hence similar to Baul songs of West-Bengal. The instruments used are Khanjari (A tiny hand held leather percussion, open at one end, with some metal discs attached), Dotara (string instrument), Tokaaree (uni-string instrument, the chamber made of matured water-gourd etc.

Deodhani Dance

Deodhani dance is performed solo or in group of 3 or 4 females essentially on the occasion of worship of Devi Manasa (or Maroi). As per mythology, Behulaa had to dance before the goddess Manasa to get back her husband's (Lakhindar) life.  The  dancer wear Mekhela in Muga, red blouse, different traditional jewelry and leave their hair open. The dance to the tune of  Jaidhol (specific cylindrical percussion instrument) & Khutitaal, played by Palis.

This dance form depicts the process of worship of Devi Manasa. A striking moments of this dance is dancing with Daa (sharp weapon used for sacrifice), and the rotating of dancers' head in rapid circular motion, with open tresses.

It is believed that Deodhanis get possessed by the Goddess in course of the dance.

Part of Ranachandi Song (Deodhani),(278 kB)

Dhepa Dhuliya

Yet another unique traditional folk art of Darrang. Here, 2 to 4 performers play the Dhepadhol  which is specially made so as to generate a unique thud, and accompanied by 4 to 6 persons playing Taals (Cymbal). The team dances while playing the instruments. Dhepadhol is a cylindrical drum of 1.5 mtr. length with a tapered left end. The Dhol is covered at both ends with animal skins like Jaidhol and Bardhol but what makes the Dhepadhol different is that the covering of  the right end is double layered and has a small whole on the outer layer. Water is put into the gap between the layers so as to get  the thud, and hence the name. Another unique feature of Dhepa Dhuliyas is their vibrant & colourful shirt & gown having prominence of red, green and blue colour.

Dhepadhuliyas perform in wedding ceremony or other such social occasions.  

Part of Dhepa Dhol Sequence,(129 kB)

Kaleeya

This ancient music form is at the verge of extinction. Similar to Shahnai of West-India, the Kaali is a beautiful bronze instrument and about 1'6" long. It is wide towards one end and the musician puts a mouthpiece on the other, narrower end to okay it. It was very popular in local wedding ceremonies.

Nangelee Songs

Nangelee songs are unique to Darrang which are couplets of very informal colloquial words, sung by Garakhiyaas (cowboys). While singing Nangelee songs, the cowboys get divided into 2 groups and enact a conflict between them over silly issues which soon reaches climax leading to physical assault, intervention/ negotiation by the senior cowboy.

Nangelee (Negotiation),(141 kB)

Seon Chapori Naam

Another unique folk form of Darrang. It is variant of Naam, somewhat similar to Ojapali as this is also targeted to describe religious and mythological stories in religious or other occasions. The word Chapori(=clapping) points to the prominence of claps during the performance. The team comprises of one Pathak (leader), a few followers, 2 Taal players, one Nagara (set of 2 or three small leather percussions, with leather on top) player. They also include short drama in between their performance to kill monotony. A very enjoyable ingredient of this performance is their Saraki dance (crossing each other in zigzag fashion) and Khedaa dance.

Seon Chapori (Starting),(129 kB)

Seon Chapari,(Middle:Claps,Nagara & Taal),(79 kB)

Seon Chapori (Climax),(110 kB)

Bodos are scattered in the northern part of the district. Hence, best place for viewing their arts could be Niz-udalguri, Chandana Badi Village, Bagari Guri, Golamatha, Balisita Harishinga, Khairabari, Bhergaon etc. Khudiram Basumatary is one prominent Bodo folk artist in Darrang. Among the new generation, Binay Daimary, Naren Bodo, Kulen Bodo etc. are worth mentioning.

Bagurumba dance

This dance is a vital part of Bodo culture and depicts the beauty of nature. Now-a-days, it has got 2 varieties: Natural Bagurumba, which is performed with no song, and the Royal Bagurumba, which is accompanied by songs.

Baishagu Dance

This is the dance of Spring, similar to Bihu dance in theme. It is performed during Bohaag (April) Month, by young boys & girls.

Kherai Dance

Kherai (=to bow down in prayer) is a bodo religious dance and is essential part of Bathow worship. Bathow is actually the Shiva, the tribal God in actuality. Usually villagers celebrate the Bathow worship once in a year where Kherai is performed in 5 stages. First, the place is made sacred for dancing. Then, sweeping & mopping, water with Tulashee  leaves is scattered over the place. Tender Banana leaf is kept over the place as a symbol of welcome. Finally the dancers dance covering the place and praise the Gods.

Bardoisikhlaa Dance

It is another reputed Bodo dance. It depicts the might of Goddess Water & Air.

Ranachandee Dance

This is a spectacular war dance of Bodos.

Rabha tribe lives around Udalguri area of the district and some part South part of Goalpara district.

Farakanti Dance

It is a very ancient rabha dance. It is performed to bring peace for soul of the deceased, by descendants and others during the ritual.

Sathar Dance

This is the dance of romance, and performed in Spring, by young boys & girls..

Khukchi Dance

Performed by Male during Spring to  satisfy the Gods.

Samzar Dance

It is closely attached to agriculture. This dance is performed by villagers at the beginning of Jeth (last of May) month for better crops.

 This dance belong to Tea Tribe (Adibashi) community.