Bogejari
.jpg) A Bogejari dancer in traditional dress | |
| Genre | Folk dance |
|---|---|
| Origin | Assam, India |
Bogejari is a traditional folk dance of the Patirabha people of Assam, India,[1][2] performed predominantly by women.
Background
[edit]The Rabha tribe is a prominent plains tribe in Assam, mainly living in the Brahmaputra Valley.[3] The Rabhas are considered to be part of the Bodo ethnic group and have a distinct language, culture and folklore.[3] Among its subgroups, the Patirabha community is particularly famous for its rich tradition in folk music and dance.[1]
Bogejari is one of several traditional Rabha performances along with ritual dances like Hanaghora, Zarighora, Parnach, and Bhaluknach. Bogejari is largely secular and emphasizes communal celebrations and storytelling.[1]
Etymology
[edit]The word “Bogejari” is believed to have originated from the historical feudal kingdom of Boge in the Kamrup region and the female personality Jari associated with that region. A prominent legend associates this tradition with Bogejari Bai. This figure is also believed to be associated with the Bager dynasty.[4]
According to oral tradition, Bogejari songs emerged between the 15th and 16th centuries.[5] Alternative folk narratives attribute the origin of the name to everyday village events or poetic creativity, demonstrating the fluid nature of oral tradition in shaping cultural expression.[5]
Cultural significance
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Bogejari serves as a living repository of the history and identity of the Patirabha community.[3] Its songs express historical events, romantic and heroic stories, social satirical expression, and communal sentiment[5]
This dance is performed especially during festivals like Bohag Bihu.[4] It has also been adapted to modern contexts including stage performances and cultural festivals.[4]
Performance
[edit]Bogejari combines singing and dancing. Traditionally, during the spring season, a group of women goes from house to house in a village and performs songs and dances in a participatory manner. The ceremony usually begins with an invocation of Goddess Saraswati, followed by a performance of songs and rhythmic dances.[4]
Women are the primary singers and dancers of Bogejari. Musical instruments are also often played by women, but men may participate as instrumentalists.
Dance and movement
[edit]Bogejari is a collective dance, with synchronized choreography that emphasizes coordination rather than individual performance.[4]
Music and instruments
[edit]
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Bogejari performances include several indigenous instruments, such as:[4]
- Dighalpeti Madal – a long drum that produces dual tones
- Duguri – a conical drum played with a stick
- Xingq – an instrument made from horn
- Banhi – bamboo flute
- Monjura – for rhythmic accompaniment
- Thorka – bamboo instrument
- Gogona – a bamboo instrument
These instruments are traditionally made from locally available materials such as bamboo, wood and animal skins.[citation needed]
Costumes and ornaments
[edit]Traditionally, performers wore ordinary clothing from daily life. Over time, the costumes have evolved into more decorative forms.[4] Traditional dress is often seen in modern stage performances.[4]
Women's dress
[edit]- Mekhela and blouse (often red or green)
- Traditional ornaments such as earrings and necklaces
- Fali (loincloth)
- Hair tied neatly using a cloth
Men's costume
[edit]- White genji
- Gamosa tied around the waist or worn as a turban [6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "Voices of Northeast India: Rabha folk song Bogejari". Nezine. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "BSS decries SEBA book showing Bagrumba as Rabha folk dance". The Sentinel Assam. 23 February 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Rabha People". Global First Nations. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mahanta, Bikiraj (2025). "Echoes of Tradition: A Comprehensive Study of the Bogejari Dance of Pati Rabha Women of Assam". Sangeet Galaxy e-Journal.
- 1 2 3 Sarma, L. (2021). "A discourse on the significance of Bogejari Songs and Maare songs in the folk life of the Pati Rabhas of Assam". Pratidhwani – The Echo.
- ↑ Rabha, A. (2024). "Significance of Traditional Costume, Clothing, and Its Motif in the Rabha Society". ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts.