Dancers perform Bihu during a function at Chandmari in Guwahati. File picture

Jorhat, April 25: A magnificent spectacle of Bihu songs, dances and colours awaits Jorhatians on May 13 when 1,000 school students and teachers will perform at the Jorhat District Sports Association ground.

The dancers, dressed in muga and accompanied by traditional instruments like the dhol (drums), taal (cymbals) and wind instruments such as bahi, pepa, gogana and xutoli, will perform together in the programme organised by the district education department.

Inspector of schools, Jorhat, Kamal Jyoti Gogoi, told this correspondent today that the proposed Bihu performance, perhaps the first in the state by students and teachers, aims to preserve and promote the traditional folk dances and create a greater sense of belonging among students. He said this last capital of Ahom rule, known as the state’s cultural capital, would be a fitting place to launch the initiative.

“The popularity of Bihu dance has gone beyond Assam, gaining national and international acclaim, but more needs to be done. To keep GeNext connected to their roots in this age of globalisation, the department has decided to invite Bihu experts to guide them,” he said.

Gogoi said nowadays Bihu stage performances deviate from the traditional form. But the event will showcase the traditional styles and for this experts will supervise the rehearsals. The women dancers will perform kahi (plate) and japi ghuroa (circling)

With Bihu atmosphere prevailing in every nook and cranny of the state, organising the event would be convenient as many students, teachers and guardians are performing husoris. Gogoi said parents were also welcome to participate in this gala husori, he added.

He said all school students and teachers would be invited not only to perform but also to witness the event, which is likely to be a rhythmic show.

Teachers, students, Bihu experts and members of popular husoris are scheduled to meet this weekend to work out details of the event. Rehearsals will start next week.

To encourage the participants, the department is also contemplating giving a certificate of participation.

“Let us hope the weather god will be kind on May 13 so that the event becomes a success,” Gogoi said.

The district administration and local legislator Rana Goswami have extended help for the event, he added.

Jorhat deputy commissioner R.C. Jain said the administration would support any such initiative by the education department in future. He hoped the department would organise other folk dances of the state, too.