Question 3356

Bihu songs are a part of which Indian state's folk tradition?

Answer

Assam

Why?

The correct answer is Assam . Key Points Bihu songs , known as Bihu Geet , are a core component of the folk tradition of Assam , a state in Northeast India . These songs are performed during the Bihu festival , which is the most important cultural celebration for the Assamese community . The songs are traditionally characterized by themes of love , eroticism , nature , and the agricultural cycle . They reflect the joys and sorrows of the rural life of Assam . Bihu songs are accompanied by the Bihu dance , which involves energetic steps and rapid hand movements. This folk tradition is inclusive, performed by both young men and women in the open fields or Bakori . The musical accompaniment for these songs includes traditional instruments like the Dhol (a percussion instrument), Pepa (a hornpipe made from buffalo horn), Gogona (a reed/bamboo instrument), Toka (a bamboo clapper), and Bahi (flute). The tradition is deeply rooted in the fertility cult , where the music and dance are believed to stimulate the earth's fertility and ensure a bountiful harvest . Hence, the correct answer is Assam. Additional Information Punjab : This northern state is famous for folk traditions like Bhangra and Gidda . Bhangra is typically performed by men during the Baisakhi festival to celebrate the harvest, while Gidda is a graceful dance performed by women. Gujarat : Known for its vibrant folk dances such as Garba and Dandiya Raas , which are performed extensively during the Navratri festival. These traditions involve circular movements and the use of sticks (Dandiya) to honor Goddess Durga . Odisha : This state is home to the classical dance Odissi and various folk traditions like Sambalpuri , Chhau , and Ghumura . Sambalpuri songs and dances are particularly famous for their rhythmic beats and the use of the Mahuri and Dhol . Assam's Three Bihus : The state celebrates three types of Bihu in a year . Bohag Bihu (or Rongali Bihu ) in April marks the Assamese New Year ; Kati Bihu (or Kongali Bihu ) in October is a more solemn observation related to crop protection; and Magh Bihu (or Bhogali Bihu ) in January is a harvest festival centered around feasting. Important Points In April 2023 , Assam created a Guinness World Record when over 11,000 dancers and drummers performed the Bihu dance and played the Dhol at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati . The Pepa , an essential instrument in Bihu songs , is traditionally crafted from the horn of a dead buffalo , and its piercing sound is synonymous with the spring season in Assam . Bihu Geet are often composed in couplets that rhyme, making them easy to improvise and pass down through oral tradition across generations . The Government of India and the Sangeet Natak Akademi actively promote Bihu as a vital part of India's intangible cultural heritage .