Bogejari Dance of Rabhas

About

The Bogejari dance and its accompanying songs, performed predominantly by women, stand as a vibrant expression of the rich cultural heritage of the Pati Rabha community of Assam. Deeply rooted in ancient oral traditions, Bogejari songs narrate historical events, convey collective emotions, and serve as an important medium for preserving community memory and identity.

Legends particularly that of Bogejari Bai play a significant role in shaping this unique folk tradition, reflecting the power of folklore in sustaining cultural continuity. The dance is marked by the use of traditional musical instruments, distinctive attire, symbolic hand movements, and graceful choreographic patterns, each carrying deep cultural meaning.

The thematic range of Bogejari songs is wide and expressive, encompassing love, heroism, satire, and reflections on contemporary social and political realities. More than a performative art form, the Bogejari dance functions as a living narrative that embodies the history, values, and ethos of the Pati Rabha community. While adapting to changing times, the tradition continues to preserve its deep rooted cultural essence.

The Bogejari dance presented here is performed by the Pub Manikpur Bogejari Dal under the leadership of Smt. Purnima Rabha, and has been coordinated by Shri Little Rabha of village Loharghat and Shri Utpal Rabha of village Manipur, Kamrup (R), Assam. The performance has been recorded as part of the Wiki Loves Assamese Culture 2025 project.

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CC BY-SA 4.0, as the Wikimedia Commons states it.

Rights statement

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Credit

Kamal Das

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