Assamese Hindu Traditions: Sattriya Dance and Bihu

Assamese Hindu Traditions, encompassing the sublime Sattriya Dance and the vibrant Bihu festivals, are profound expressions of Sanatan Dharma, meticulously preserving ancient spiritual wisdom, Vaishnava devotion, and deep reverence for nature. These living traditions reflect Assam’s unique cultural tapestry, offering pathways to spiritual realization and communal harmony through sacred art, music, and seasonal rituals.

Introduction: The Soul of Assam, Embodied in Dharma

The Brahmaputra Valley, ancient Pragjyotisha, resonates with a spiritual heritage that is both unique and universally Hindu. At the heart of Assamese Sanatan Dharma lie two magnificent traditions: the classical dance form of Sattriya and the cyclical agrarian festivals of Bihu. These are not mere cultural performances or seasonal celebrations; they are profound conduits of devotion, integral to the spiritual lifeblood of the Assamese people. Sattriya, a dance consecrated to Bhagavan Vishnu, channels the Bhakti of the great Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva. Bihu, in its three annual manifestations, celebrates the divine rhythm of nature, affirming humanity’s interconnectedness with the cosmic cycles of creation, sustenance, and renewal, all underpinned by a deep reverence for Prithvi Mata and the Devas.

Puranic History and Devotional Genesis

Sattriya: The Vaishnava Revolution of Sankardeva

The genesis of Sattriya Nritya (dance) is inextricably linked to the 15th-16th century Bhakti movement spearheaded by Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568 CE) in Assam. Unlike other classical dance forms, Sattriya was originally conceived and developed within the confines of the Satras (Vaishnava monasteries), serving as a powerful medium for propagating his Ekasarana Nama Dharma – the religion of seeking refuge in One God (Krishna/Vishnu) through chanting His Names. Sankardeva, inspired by the eloquent narratives of the Bhagavata Purana, particularly the Dashama Skandha (Book X) depicting Krishna’s Leelas, and drawing from the rich theatrical traditions of Ankiya Naat (one-act plays), synthesized diverse elements into this unique devotional art. His disciple, Madhavdeva, further enriched the tradition with his compositions and organizational prowess. It was a movement of spiritual emancipation, using dance, music (Borgeets), and drama (Bhaona) to make complex philosophical truths accessible to the common man, fostering a society deeply rooted in devotion and ethical conduct. Sattriya, therefore, is not merely art but a living spiritual practice, a sadhana in movement, a visual mantra.

Bihu: Vedic Roots and Agrarian Deities

The Bihu festivals—Rongali (or Bohag), Kongali (or Kati), and Bhogali (or Magh)—are ancient Hindu agrarian festivals whose roots delve deep into Vedic reverence for nature and cyclical time. While specific Puranic legends for Bihu are not uniformly codified like those for major pan-Indian festivals, their essence reflects the timeless Hindu ethos of gratitude and seeking divine blessings for prosperity. Rongali Bihu, marking the Assamese New Year and spring, aligns with solar festivals across Bharat, celebrating the renewal of life. Its rituals, such as the bathing and worship of cattle (Goru Bihu), hark back to ancient Vedic pastoral traditions where cows were revered as wealth and symbols of divinity (e.g., in Rigveda). Kongali Bihu, the austere one, focuses on the preservation of crops and invokes Goddess Lakshmi and Mother Earth (Prithvi Mata), resonating with the Hindutva.online understanding of Prakriti worship inherent in Sanatan Dharma. Bhogali Bihu, the harvest festival, is a celebration of bounty, akin to Pongal or Lohri, offering the first fruits of the harvest to the Devas, a practice echoing the agricultural rituals mentioned in various Grihya Sutras and Puranas like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana which praises agricultural prosperity as a blessing of Vishnu and Lakshmi.

The Artistry and Spiritual Philosophy of Assamese Traditions

Sattriya: A Moving Meditation

Sattriya Dance is characterized by its rigorous grammar and spiritual depth. It combines the expressive (Abhinaya) and pure dance (Nritta) aspects. The basic units, known as Mati Akharas (ground exercises), number over 60 and are the foundational steps for both male and female dancers. The dance employs intricate mudras (hand gestures), graceful body movements, and dynamic footwork, all serving to narrate stories from the Bhagavad Purana, Ramayana, and other Vaishnava texts. The accompanying music, primarily Borgeets (compositions by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva), is played on traditional instruments such as the Khol (drum), Taal (cymbals), and flute. The costumes, often adorned with traditional Assamese motifs and jewellery, reflect the simplicity and elegance characteristic of the Vaishnava movement. Sattriya is a potent form of Nama Bhakti, where every gesture and movement is an offering to the Divine, seeking to immerse both performer and audience in the blissful consciousness of Vishnu.

Bihu: A Tapestry of Life and Livelihood

The three Bihus offer a complete cycle of celebration and prayer:

• Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu): The most vibrant, celebrated in April, marking the Assamese New Year and spring. It includes cow worship, traditional games, elaborate feasts, and lively Bihu dances (Bihu Naach) performed by young men and women, characterized by brisk steps and hand movements.
• Kongali Bihu (Kati Bihu): Observed in October, it is a sombre festival. Lamps (Saaki) are lit in paddy fields to pray for a good harvest and in front of the sacred Tulasi plant, invoking prosperity and protection from calamities.
• Bhogali Bihu (Magh Bihu): Celebrated in January, it is the harvest festival of feasting. Community bonfires (Meji) are lit, signifying purification and offering gratitude to Agni Deva and other deities. Traditional delicacies like Pitha and Laru are prepared and shared, symbolizing community bonding and shared abundance.

Each Bihu, while distinct, reinforces the Hindu values of gratitude, community, and respect for the natural world that sustains life.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Sattriya Performance as Nritya Seva

A Sattriya performance is akin to a sacred ritual. The dancers typically begin with a reverential invocation (Guru Vandana) to their preceptors and the Divine. The performance space is sanctified. The sequence often includes:

1. Ramdani: An abstract pure dance segment.
2. Geet-Bhatima: Devotional songs introducing the theme.
3. Natya: The expressive part, conveying narratives through Abhinaya.
4. Khol Badan: Elaborate drumming, often a highlight.
5. Apsara Nritya/Chali Nritya: Graceful, stylized movements.
6. Dashavatara: Portrayal of Vishnu’s ten incarnations.
7. Chali or Jhumura: Concluding devotional pieces.

The entire presentation is a focused act of Nritya Seva (service through dance), aimed at spiritual upliftment.

Bihu Observances: A Cycle of Devotion

The rituals of Bihu are deeply interwoven with agrarian life and Hindu piety:

1. Rongali Bihu: Begins with Goru Bihu, where cattle are bathed in turmeric and black gram paste, adorned with new ropes (pogha), and offered vegetables. This is followed by communal feasts, Bihu songs (Bihu geet), and dances. Family elders are offered respectful greetings, and blessings are sought.
2. Kongali Bihu: Marked by simplicity. Lamps (Saaki) are lit near the Tulasi plant (Tulasi Puja) and in the paddy fields, accompanied by prayers to Lakshmi Devi for a bountiful harvest. Farmers also perform rituals to ward off pests.
3. Bhogali Bihu: Centered around the Uruka (eve of Bihu) night, where communities gather for feasts and construct temporary huts (Bhelaghar). The next morning, the Meji (bonfire) is lit, offerings are made to Agni Deva, and blessings are sought for the new harvest. Feasting on traditional dishes (e.g., Chira, Laru, Pitha, Doi) and sharing food are central.

Mantras and Chants for Spiritual Resonance

The core of Sattriya is rooted in Nama Japa and Kirtana. Performers and devotees often chant the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra (हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे । हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ।) or other Vaishnava devotional songs (Borgeets) composed by Sankardeva and Madhavdeva, such as “Rama Meri Hriday Padmā” or “Pawe Pori Hari.”

For Bihu, while there aren’t specific formal mantras universally chanted, the spirit of devotion is expressed through prayers to deities associated with prosperity, nature, and well-being. During Goru Bihu, farmers might say simple prayers for the health and fertility of their cattle. During Kongali Bihu, prayers to Goddess Lakshmi are common: “Om Hrim Shrim Lakshmibhyo Namaha” (ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मीभ्यो नमः) or invocations to Prithvi Mata for a good harvest. The Bihu geets themselves often carry deep devotional and philosophical meanings, praising Krishna, Rama, or describing the beauty of nature as a manifestation of the Divine.

Dos and Don’ts: Preserving Sacred Etiquette

• DO approach Sattriya performances with reverence, understanding it as a spiritual offering rather than mere entertainment.
• DO dress modestly when attending a Sattriya performance or visiting a Satra.
• DO participate respectfully in Bihu celebrations, especially during community rituals like the Meji burning.
• DO offer greetings and blessings to elders during Bihu, following traditional customs.
• DON’T interrupt a Sattriya performance with applause or loud conversation; maintain a meditative silence.
• DON’T treat the sacred Bihu traditions as purely secular events; always remember their dharmic significance.
• DON’T engage in disrespectful behaviour or consume intoxicants in sacred spaces or during community rituals.
• DON’T discard offerings or ritual items carelessly; dispose of them in a manner that respects their sanctity.

What is the primary purpose of Sattriya Dance?

The primary purpose of Sattriya Dance is to propagate and express the tenets of Eka Sarana Nama Dharma, a monotheistic Vaishnava tradition. It serves as a devotional offering (Nritya Seva) to Bhagavan Krishna/Vishnu, engaging the devotee through aesthetic experience and narrative storytelling from sacred scriptures like the Bhagavat Purana, thus fostering spiritual awakening and Bhakti.

How many types of Bihu are there and what do they signify?

There are three main types of Bihu festivals: Rongali Bihu (or Bohag Bihu) in April, signifying the Assamese New Year and spring; Kongali Bihu (or Kati Bihu) in October, a sombre period of prayer for crop protection and prosperity; and Bhogali Bihu (or Magh Bihu) in January, a harvest festival of feasting and gratitude. Each marks a significant stage in the agricultural cycle and its corresponding spiritual observances.

Who founded Sattriya Dance and what was his core philosophy?

Sattriya Dance was founded by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568 CE). His core philosophy, known as Eka Sarana Nama Dharma, advocated for devotion to one God (Krishna/Vishnu) through chanting His Names (Nama Japa) and engaging in Bhakti-oriented activities, accessible to all, irrespective of caste or creed, fostering spiritual equality and social harmony.

Is Bihu purely an agricultural festival, or does it have religious significance?

Bihu is far from purely agricultural; it is deeply interwoven with Hindu religious significance. While celebrating agricultural cycles, it integrates ancient Vedic reverence for nature, sun, earth, and deities like Lakshmi and Prithvi Mata. Rituals such as Goru Bihu (cow worship), Tulasi Puja, and Meji (bonfire) offerings are profound expressions of Sanatan Dharma, expressing gratitude to the Divine for sustenance and seeking blessings for future prosperity, embodying the holistic spiritual worldview of Assam, as documented on Hindutva.online.

The Enduring Dharmic Significance: A Living Heritage

The Assamese Hindu traditions of Sattriya Dance and Bihu festivals stand as luminous testaments to the dynamic and resilient nature of Sanatan Dharma. They are not static relics of the past but vibrant, living streams of spiritual wisdom that continue to nourish the hearts and minds of millions. Sattriya, with its sublime devotion and artistic discipline, reminds us that art can be a powerful vehicle for reaching the Divine, a form of active meditation. Bihu, in its cyclical rhythm, teaches us gratitude for Mother Earth, the sanctity of sustenance, and the importance of community bonds. Together, these traditions safeguard a unique facet of Hindu identity, illustrating how diverse cultural expressions can seamlessly integrate into the grand tapestry of Dharma, preserving ancient values, fostering ethical living, and ensuring that the eternal light of Hindu spirituality continues to shine brightly for generations to come.