Assam is a state in Northeastern India. The character here is not constrained to tea manors, silk and greenery. The genuine excellence of Assam lies in its culture and society music. The stream Brahmaputra streaming on this soil is not as it were the source of life but moreover the motivation for melodies and stories. As the Echoes of the Brahmaputra stream, the tunes of people's melodies too resound in the hearts of the individuals. Adore, nature, life, celebrations and confidence are all reflected in the people's melodies of Assam. That is why these songs have been sung from generation to generation and still retain their identity.
The Soul of the Folk Songs of Assam
The folk songs of Assam are not just songs. These are people's lives. Evenings in the village, farmers working in the fields, sailors singing on the boat and the joy of festivals - all come down to folk songs. There are no songs in this film. The words are simple, but they have depth.
Folk songs connect people. When the people of the village sit together and sing, they come closer to each other. These songs create a sense of belongingness and brotherhood in the society. The folk songs of Assam also tell how much simplicity and beauty there is in life. Whether it is a time of sorrow or joy, songs always support the heart.
The Main Folk Songs and Their Features
The Bihu Song
Bihu is the biggest festival of Assam. It is celebrated three times. Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu. The most prevalent of these three is Bohag Bihu, which individuals celebrate at the coming of spring. Bihu melodies are the pulse of this celebration. In these melodies, the greenery of the areas, the sweetness of cherish and the pizzazz of life are sung.
Young boys and young ladies in conventional outfits move and sing to the tune of melodic rebellious songs like dhol, pepa and gogona. Everyone is singing along to the song. Bihu songs are the most vibrant symbol of Assam's culture and energy.
Ojapali
Ojapali is an old and unique folk singing style of Assam. It features a singer called 'Oja' singing religious and mythological stories with his troupe. It includes dance, music, art and drama.
Ojapali is mainly associated with the stories of Goddess Maa Manasa and Mahabharata. It is sung on special occasions at the village chaupal or temple. There is a beautiful combination of all three - devotion, knowledge and entertainment - in the songs.
Zikir and Zari Song
Religious harmony also has a big contribution in the cultural identity of Assam. Zikir and Zari songs were started by Sufi saint Azaan Fakir. These songs convey the message of brotherhood, peace and humanity along with the teachings of Islam.
Zikir songs are associated with devotion and spirituality. At the same time, zari songs reflect the feeling of sadness and compassion. This tradition is still followed in Assam. Ga-Jamuni shows a glimpse of Tehzeeb.
The Tulsi Song
In Assam, Tulsi plants are planted in every house. Tulsi songs are associated with these plants and religious beliefs. Ladies sing these tunes with dedication close the Tulsi plant in the morning and evening.
Tulsi tunes are not as devout, but they too reflect the straightforwardness of life and the bond of family. The tunes of these melodies are exceptionally relieving and profound, which unwinds the listener's intellect.
The Boat Song
Rivers are a part of life in Assam. People sail on the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. When the sailors eat the boat, they sing songs. These are called boat songs or boat songs.
These songs reflect hard work, struggle and hope. With the beat of the songs the boat also moves ahead, ripping the waves. This song sounds like both the river and the boat are talking to humans together.
Read more:- Pandavani: Epic Folk Storytelling of Madhya Pradesh
A Glimpse of Nature in Folk Songs
Folk songs of Assam are deeply connected with nature. Among them are the sounds of the rain, the streams, the trees and the winged creatures. The melodies too perfectly delineate the tranquility of the mountains and the greenery of the tea gardens.
The individuals of Assam accept that nature is the most imperative portion of their lives. Hence, trees, blossoms and streams have an uncommon put in the tunes. This connection also brings the listener closer to nature.
Culture and society
Society tunes are not fair tunes, they moreover pass on the contemplations and values of the society. The people melodies of Assam instruct us how difficult work, effortlessness and brotherhood are imperative in life. In these melodies, the difficult work of ladies, the battle of agriculturists and the excitement of the youth are profoundly reflected.
Folk songs also make festivals special. Be it Bihu, wedding or any religious ceremony, any occasion seems incomplete without songs. That is why the people of Assam consider songs as the heartbeat of their culture.
Folk Songs in Today’s Time
Today, even when pop music and film songs are popular among the youth, the folk songs of Assam continue to hold their own. Many young artists are presenting these songs in a new way. The tunes of folk songs of Assam are also very much liked on social media and platforms like YouTube.
The government and cultural institutions are also working to save and promote these songs. Competitions are held in schools and colleges so that the new generation remains connected to their roots.
Conclusion
The folk songs of Assam are like the Brahmaputra - deep, flowing and life-giving. These songs are not just music, but a legacy. The history, culture, love and faith of Assam are all hidden in them.
Folk songs teach us that no matter how much life changes, it is important to stay connected to our roots. Like the echo of the Brahmaputra, these songs will continue to reach the coming generations and keep the soul of Assam alive.