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The 'Bihu dance' is a folk dance from the Indian state of Assam related to the festival of Bihu. This joyous dance is performed by both young men and women, and is characterized by brisk dance steps, rapid hand movement, and a rhythmic swaying of the hips in order to represent youthful passion. Dancers wear traditionally colorful Assamese clothing.
The Bihu dance is performed in conjunction with traditional Bihu folk music, played with: the "dhol", similar to a drum; the ''mohor singor pepa'', a pipe instrument made from a buffalo horn; the ''tala'', a cymbal; the ''gogona'', a reed and bamboo instrument; and the ''toka'', a bamboo clapper. The songs (''bihu geet'') that accompany the dance have been handed down for many generations. The subject of the lyrics ranges from welcoming the Assamese new year to describing the daily life of a farmer.
The dance takes several forms among the different northeast Indian tribes, e.g., the "Garo Bihu dance" and the "Khasi Bihu dance." However, the underlying goal of the dance remains the same: to express the desire to feel both pain and happiness.

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Rongali Bihu competitions

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Rongali Bihu competitions

In mid April, along with the onset of spring, falls the new year in the local calendar with the month of ''Bohag''. Nowadays, during this period, there are Bihu competitions all over the Assam (as well as throughout the major locations with Assamese diaspora. These competitions attract visitors and locals alike in huge throngs. Apart from Bihu dance, there are competitions held to select the ''Bihu Konwori'' (Bihu Princess) and various singing talents.
At the end of the month of ''Bohag'' there is also the farewell to the month commemorated by numerous ''Bohagi Bidai'' functions.

See also

★ Culture of Assam