Changes and evolution of Bihu



Many changes came in Bihu due to the present socio economic condition and relative life style changes of the general people. Modern Bihutolis are established as big Mandaps with lightning in urban areas. This has become a craze in Assam. Different Bihutolis are competeing with each other.
Many shops are opened  around the Bihutolis during these days. There are commercial viewpoints behind modern day Bihu. Original rituals of Bihu are performed only in villages. Middle class people of urban areas are happy with Bihu dance of bihutoli mandap. This gradually became a song and dance festival. Some cassettes of songs are released. The songs are based on filmy pop music. These are very popular. Present Folk poets also write bihugaan on modern lifestyles, present needs and demands of the people. Previously men and women did not dance together. The example is Jeng Bihu where the girls dance in an open and secular place beside the river to fulfill their desire. Today Bihu is performed in the stage and become a show business. Some groups are formed to dance in the mandaps in the urban areas. In the middle of the 60's skilled and learned men and women performed together for the first time and got instant popularity. The " Bihukumari " competition came in 1970  or 1971. The most efficient dancer is awarded with the title of " Bihukumar" or " Bihukumari". Many rural Bihu dance groups come to the city to earn something. And film songs have a strong influence on the present Bihu dance and song formats. And through this dance gestures agricultural activities are explicitily expressed.


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