Bihu, Assam's most popular harvest festival, occurs three times a year: Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu in October, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu in mid-January.. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Bihu which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Bihu

• Bihu is a popular Assamese dance that is done by both men and women in groups.
• Bihu is also used to refer to Bihu dance, also known as Bihu Naas, and Bihu folk music, also known as Bihu Geet.
• To highlight the pomp and gaiety, the dancers are clothed in colourful traditional costumes.
• Group formations, fast hand movements, and brisk footsteps are all part of the dancing performance.
• The dance form's roots are unknown, but it has long played an important role in the culture of Assam's many ethnic groups, including the Kaivarttas, Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Chutias, Boros, Misings, Rabhas, Moran, and Borahis, among others.

Bihu dance

Bihu - Features

• The earliest depictions of Bihu dance can be discovered in Assam's Tezpur and Darrang regions, dating from the 9th century.
• Bihu has also referenced in the 14th century Chutia King Lakshminaryan's inscriptions.
• The dance begins with the performers, both young men and women, entering the performance venue slowly.
• The males begin playing musical instruments such as drums (especially the double-headed dhol), hornpipes, and flutes, while the ladies create an inverted triangular formation with their hands over their hips and palms facing outwards.
• The women then begin to sway and bend slightly forward from the waist, slowly moving in time with the music.
• The Bihu dance gets its name from Assam's national event, the Bohag Bihu festival (also known as Rongali Bihu), which commemorates the Assamese New Year.
• Rongali or Bohag Bihu was discovered in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu was discovered in October, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu was discovered in January.
• The most prominent of the three, the Rongali Bihu, commemorates the spring celebration.
• The Bhogali Bihu, also known as the Magh Bihu, is a harvest festival that includes communal feasts.
• The Kongali Bihu, also known as the Kati Bihu, is a sombre, thrifty event that commemorates a season of scarcity.
• The Bihu dance is supposed to honour and replicate the seasonal mood, celebrating fertility and love, and is performed during the festival in mid-April.
• Bihu is a dance that is performed by groups of young men and women, and it was originally used as a wooing dance.
• The sensual aspect of the dance associates the Bihu dance with human fertility, as well as the fertility of nature, which refers to the celebration of spring and the embracing of the life-giving spring rain.
• The use of instruments like drums and hornpipes is thought to imitate the sound of rain and thunder in order to elicit genuine precipitation.

Conclusion

The Bihu dance, which has become a sign of Assamese cultural identity, continues to play an important role and is a cultural icon in modern-day Assamese society. While the dance was mostly a rural phenomenon prior to independence, it has managed to stay relevant in the face of increased urbanization, with the practice now being embraced in the region's urban centers. The first time the Bihu dance was performed on a stage was in Guwahati in 1962 as part of a cultural event.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Bihu dance is primarily performed during which festival in Assam?

A) Durga Puja
B) Diwali
C) Bihu
D) Makar Sankranti

2. Which musical instrument is NOT typically associated with Bihu dance?

A) Dhol
B) Gogona
C) Sitar
D) Pepa

3. What does Bihu dance symbolize in Assamese culture?

A) Prosperity and harvest
B) Unity and diversity
C) Seasonal change and agriculture
D) Religious devotion

4. Which of the following is the traditional dance form associated with the Bihu festival?

A) Kathak
B) Bharatnatyam
C) Bihu
D) Kuchipudi

5. During which season is the Rongali Bihu festival celebrated in Assam?

A) Winter
B) Spring
C) Autumn
D) Monsoon

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the role of folk dance forms like Bihu in preserving and promoting regional cultures in India.

Answer: Folk dance forms like Bihu play a significant role in preserving and promoting regional cultures by passing down traditional values, stories, and practices to future generations. Bihu, in particular, symbolizes Assam's agrarian lifestyle, marking the changing seasons and agricultural cycles. Through its vibrant expressions, music, and community participation, Bihu not only strengthens regional identity but also fosters a sense of unity and continuity. Moreover, these folk forms contribute to the cultural diversity of India and promote social harmony by connecting people to their roots and traditions.

Q2: Discuss the impact of Bihu on the social and cultural life of Assam. How does it contribute to community bonding?

Answer: Bihu has a profound impact on the social and cultural life of Assam. It acts as a bridge between generations, preserving ancient traditions while also adapting to contemporary times. The community-centric nature of the dance and festival allows for collective participation, reinforcing social bonds and promoting cultural exchange. It is an occasion for families and communities to come together, share meals, perform traditional dances, and celebrate the cycle of agriculture and nature. The Bihu festival fosters a sense of belonging and pride in Assamese heritage, strengthening the cultural fabric of the region.

Q3: Evaluate the economic and cultural significance of Bihu dance and festival in modern Assam.

Answer: Bihu dance and the associated festivals have economic and cultural significance in modern Assam. Culturally, Bihu is a vital part of Assam’s identity, offering a rich repository of music, dance, and oral traditions. The economic impact is substantial as Bihu attracts tourists, contributing to the local economy through tourism and hospitality services. Additionally, Bihu celebrations create a market for traditional crafts, textiles, and local agricultural products, which help boost the economy. Bihu also serves as a reminder of Assam's agrarian roots, promoting eco-friendly practices tied to seasonal cycles and environmental awareness.

Previous Year Questions on Folk Dances

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following is the traditional dance form of Assam?

A) Bharatanatyam
B) Kathak
C) Bihu
D) Kuchipudi

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Bihu is the traditional folk dance of Assam performed during the Bihu festival, marking the Assamese New Year.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Evaluate the role of folk dances in the preservation of regional cultures and traditions in India." Discuss the significance of Bihu in Assamese society.

Answer: Folk dances like Bihu play a crucial role in preserving regional cultures by showcasing local customs, beliefs, and agricultural practices through vibrant performances. In Assamese society, Bihu is more than just a dance; it represents the agricultural calendar, the connection to nature, and the joyous spirit of the people. It serves as an important medium for cultural expression and social cohesion, while also contributing to the regional identity and tourism industry of Assam.