Passion for tradition runs deep, youth hone dance skills

GUWAHATI: Rongali Bihu, mostly performed by village folks earlier to the accompaniment of "dhool", "pepa" and "ganga", today is so popular even among the urban youth that they are taking lessons from experts at workshops especially organized during this festive season.
The artistic moves and elegant postures of the dance beautifully presented by the folk artistes are attracting people like never before."Earlier, Bihu was considered a dance form of village folks, but with time its popularity has spread worldwide. Youngsters are showing a lot of interest to join Bihu workshops to be part of professional dance troupes," said renowned Bihu dancer Ranjit Gogoi, who has performed in South Africa, Germany and New Zealand.
Gogoi has been teaching the dance form for the past two decades. He said, "The rush is more during Bihu. All through the year, it is difficult to find a satisfactory number of students."
A schoolgirl said exam pressure kept them away from finer pursuits. "I love the dance form and want to learn it but can spare time only during the festive season. The rest of the year I have to devote my time to academics," she added.
But for youngsters like Jyotismita Pegu, an engineering student from Dhemaji, and Purabi Deka, a commerce student from Golaghat, Bihu is a passion that runs deep in their veins. "We have to focus on studies, yet I manage to find time to practise Bihu. Today, away from home, I feel proud to display my talent which bears the essence of our tradition. My performance enthralls students from other parts of the country," said Jyotismita.
Bihu exponent and actress Madhurima Choudhury said it was a good sign that the young generation is trying to keep the tradition of Bihu alive. "This is our folk dance and youngsters have always been eager to learn it. But it is also essential to learn playing instruments like the dhul, pepa, toka and gagana."
Gogoi added, "Our traditional instruments are as essential as the dance form itself. Every year, thousands of VCDs on Bihu dance are released, but they are not always helpful. Traditions have to be kept alive in their purest form. At the same time, innovations are welcome."
The state has Bihu experts from different communities like the Boro, Tiwa and Deori. It is believed that the first Bihu dance was performed in Rangghar in Sivasagar to entertain the Ahom royals in ancient times. For years, Bihu has been performed in open fields under trees with the entire village participating.