By Manoj Kumar Ojha
Doomdooma: The tea Tribes of Assam, one of largest populous community of the state known for its descent “Jhumur Dance ” have expressed their joy after the Assamese “Bihu Dance” got world record on April 13.
“Bihu Dance and Jhumur Dance both go together in almost all cultural functions and programmes . Both are part and parcel of greater Assamese society. So , it’s a matter of Pride for us that Bihu got Guinness Book of World Records. ” Ranjeeta Nayak,a Jhumur Dance artist told Our India in Tinsukia district of upper Assam.
The people of the state are jubilant over the world records created by the Assamese Bihu Dance. Altogether 11,304 Bihu Dancers and Drum beaters performed the ” largest Bihu performance in a single venue .” to create two Guinness Book of world records at Sarsujai Stadium in Guwahati on April 13 .The record was created at around 5.30pm .The event was performed for 15 minutes.
“You will surprise to learn that most of the artists of the state are equally skilled in Bihu and Jhumur both . They perform the same one after another. ” added Ranjeeta who is also graduating from a college here .
There are good number of Tea Tribes communities in the state basically in upper Assam who influence effectively the politics, economy,culture and society of the state. Who were brought in 1821 onwards as indentured labourers by the East India Company mostly from present day Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
Folk Artist Rangeela Nayak says , ” Jhumur is a traditional dance form of Adivasis performed by Male and female together. Mandar , dhol , Nagara and Bansuri are used with it .”
Folk dances of Assam include the Bihu and the Bagurumba, Bhortal, Ojapali dances.The state is the home to many groups– Muslim, Indo Aryan ,Rabha , Bodo ,Dimasa , Karbi,Missing, Sonowal, Kachari, Mismi and Tiwa ( Lalung ) .These cultures come together to create an Assamese culture. However, Bihu is the most noteworthy it brings together all Assamese people.