makeshift elevated stage in an open area that came to be known as a Bihutoli. Many such Bihutolis have sprouted since then in Guwahati and other urban areas across entire Assam. The performances are not confined to the bihu dance form, but may incorporate all forms of theatrical performances to keep the audience enthralled well into the early hours. Performances could include standup comedy, to concerts by solo singers. The stage form of bihu has today become the mainstay bihu and the model has been replicated across the globe by the Assamese diaspora. The Bihu Songs & Dance:- The songs of Bihu are composed in couplets and each of them invariably depicts dissimilar emotions and at the same time the songs are accompanied with characteristic and unique dance forms. This is the charm of this fantastic festival. The elegance and style of these songs are noteworthy. The language is quite simple and straightforward. The popularity of the Bihu songs has now crossed the boundaries of states and nation. Every year new songs are out in the market. It shows the popularity and acceptance of the special and melodious music of Bihu. Bihu dance is performed along with the unique and striking Assamese folk music. Assamese customs and ethnicity are visible on the dance forms. Drummers who play drums or dhol, are the most important and significant musicians. The dhol is played with a stick and a palm. Drummers perform differently with variety of rhythms and musical tunes at various segments of the performances. These metrical and musical compositions, called xeus, are conventionally codified.
Drummers enter into the dancing premise in a queue and before entering into the performance arena they play a short and vigorous rhythm. The mohor xingor pepa( rhino horn trumpet) is played generally in the beginning by a single player and without any doubt it sets the mood of the dance and carnival. Some of the other important instruments that are part of a Bihu Song & dance routine are taal( cymbals); toka( a bamboo clapper); baanhi( the flute); xutuli( a type of clay whistle) and gogona( a vibrating reed instrument similar to the jew’ s harp made up of bamboo). Significance of Bihu:- The biggest aspect of Bihu is that it is not a religious festival hence people from any caste, creed or religion can celebrate it together. Bihu as a festival enables people to come closer to one another, forget and forgive old rivalries and goads everybody to begin life afresh in a fresh new year. It has the uncanny power to break the shackle and bring all the people together on a propitious fiesta of fun, gaiety and frolic. The premise is open for all. Bihus are attached with the souls of the greeneries and soaring hills of Assam. Bihu welcomes all, Bihu celebrates all, Bihu Brings Alive All!!!
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