Bhaona is a classical form of entertainment from Assam, India, making its foreign debut in Abu Dhabi recently. Thanks to the support from Assam’s Department of Culture, this traditional spectacle was performed for audiences across the world. The primary motivation behind this initiative is to globalize Bhaona while delivering performances in English.
The Origins of Bhaona
Bhaona has historical roots deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Assam. It is the creation of saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, a Vaishnava saint born in 1449 A.D. in the Nagaon district of Assam. Sankardeva had a profound spiritual influence on society with his neo-Vaishnavite movement.
He began to pen his prose in Sanskrit, later transitioning to Assamese and Brajavali. The latter is a theatrical-specific literary language used by Sankardeva in crafting his songs and plays. Such linguistic choices significantly influenced the development of various artforms like Borgeet, a new form of spiritual music, Monastic dances that evolved into the classical Sattriya, and Bhaona – a theatrical performance inspired by mythology.
Understanding Bhaona: More than Just a Performance
A typical Bhaona performance engages with the audience through dialogues, songs, and dance routines. It often features between 40-50 performers dressed in elaborate costumes and traditional ornaments. Some performers play the role of musicians, handling heavy drums and cymbals to provide a rhythmic backbone to the act. The actors who participate in Bhaona are known as Bhaorias.
Regarding the narrative facet, Bhaona leans heavily on the narratives rooted in Indian mythology, with stories often woven around moral and ethics-based themes. As an artform, it not only entertains but also educates and enlightens the audience about the principles of Vaishnavism.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Creator of Bhaona | Srimanta Sankardeva, a Vaishnava saint |
| Birth of Bhaona | 15th century |
| Place of Origin | Nagaon district, Assam, India |
| Typical Number of Performers | 40-50 |
| Overseas Debut | Abu Dhabi |
Bhaona Goes International
This performance in Abu Dhabi marks Bhaona’s significant debut on a global stage. The effort is part of a broader initiative supported by the Department of Culture, Assam, aiming to make Bhaona more accessible to international audiences. By presenting Bhaona in English, this traditional theatre from the heart of Assam is now reaching out to a diverse global audience, making it a significant step in cultural exchange and preservation of traditional artforms.