- Source: Deodhani dance
Deodhani dance is a Shaman folk dance from the Indian state of Assam. It can be performed either solo or in a group. Deodhani is of Bodo origin. A group performance of Deodhani generally consists of three or four women. The dance form is associated with the worship of the snake goddess Marei/Maroi. A Deodhani dance is generally performed to the accompaniment of songs sung by an Ojha, a Bodo traditional chorus leader in the Darrang district of Assam.
History
Deodhani is derived from two words – Deo, which means God, and Dhani, which means woman, literally meaning a woman possessed (Shaman) by god. A male Shaman form is also present, called 'Deodha-Joki' in Kamrup by the Bodo people and 'Deodhai' elsewhere in Assam. Deodhani depicts the dance of a Shaman woman or man when he or she is possessed by a spiritual being. In Deodhani, the songs sung by Ojapali are known as Xuknoni in undivided Darrang district and is quite distinct from the aboriginal 'Deodha-Joki' origin & ritualistic oracle cum Shamanistic dance form of the Kaibarta-Jalkeot community in Undivided Kamrup district it is accompanied by Bor-Dhol's.
Specification
Dancers take a sword and shield and present a virile war dance during the performance.
References
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Deodhani dance
- Folk dances of Assam
- List of dances
- Pathsala
- Lalit Chandra Nath
- Tourism in Northeast India
- List of Indian folk dances
- Bihu
- List of Indian dances
- Dance in India
