Bagurumba

What is Bagurumba?

Bagurumba is a group dance performed by women of the Boro community in Assam and Northeast India. The dancers wear colorful traditional clothes and move in ways that recall butterflies, birds, and other elements of the natural world. The dance is lively and graceful, with patterns and gestures inspired by plants, animals, flowing rivers, and wind. Handmade instruments like the kham drum and sifung bamboo flute accompany the dancers, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere.

Where does Bagurumba come from?

Bagurumba has been practiced by the Boro people for over a thousand years, rooted in their life along the Himalayan foothills. Its exact beginnings are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged from the Boro people's close relationship with nature and their desire to celebrate harmony with the environment. The dance and its music may show ancient influences, including similarities to Chinese musical scales. Bagurumba expresses respect, friendship, and a joyful connection to the land.

How is Bagurumba danced?

The dance features gentle, flowing arm and hand movements that mimic butterflies and birds. Dancers move together in a group, often in lines or loose formations, creating patterns that suggest waves, wind, or the sway of plants. The choreography is energetic yet smooth, with steps and gestures that reflect scenes from nature. The group moves in harmony, and the dance is both a visual and social expression of togetherness.

The music of Bagurumba

Bagurumba is accompanied by a set of traditional instruments. The kham, a long drum made of wood and animal skin, provides the rhythm. The sifung, a long bamboo flute with five holes, gives a deep, melodic sound. The serja, similar to a violin, adds melody, while the jota (iron/tama), gongwna (bamboo), and tharkha (split bamboo) contribute to the ensemble. The music uses a pentatonic scale, similar to some Chinese music.

Costume and what is carried

Dancers wear the dokhna, a colorful wrap, along with the jwmgra (fasra) and aronai, which are traditional Boro garments. The attire is bright and festive, highlighting the movements and group formations. No props are held during the dance, and the focus is on the costume's color and the dancers' coordinated gestures.

When and where Bagurumba is danced

Bagurumba is performed at festivals, cultural programs, and community gatherings among the Boro people. There are no fixed days or seasons for the dance; it is presented whenever there is a celebration or event. The dance is a way for the community to come together, and audiences often join in by singing or dancing along. It is passed down through practice and participation.

Styles of Bagurumba

The dance includes symbolic elements that may vary, such as movements representing different animals, plants, or natural forces like rivers and wind. These variations reflect the creativity of the dancers and the themes of the occasion. The music and choreography may also adapt to local events or the preferences of the group.

What Bagurumba means

Bagurumba is a symbol of Boro identity and their connection to the land. It expresses values of peace, respect, and harmony with nature. The dance is a source of pride and a way to celebrate community life. It is performed at important gatherings and helps keep Boro traditions alive across generations.

Questions people ask about Bagurumba

Good reading and sources

• Bagurumba on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Bagurumba on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo