Brisk steps and rapid hand movements accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the dhol. This was the sight and sounds people encountered when they stepped into the Indian Heritage Centre on May 25.
The energetic display was part of a Bihu dance workshop that hosted about 50 participants, including children and adults.
Originating from the indigenous landscapes of Assam, Bihu is one of the many folk dances of Assamese culture that is particularly famous for its jaunty, bold gestures.
The workshop was organised by non-profit arts organisation Anandha Traditional Arts and Music – or better known as Atam SG – as the fourth installation of its Nam Marabu series.
“The goal of Atam SG is to foster cultural consciousness,” said Lionel Heeren, 29, who leads the Nam Marabu initiative.
“By bringing unique Indian folk art forms from around the world to Singapore, we are able to spark greater interest and enthusiasm, as well as encourage deeper understanding and knowledge about the Indian diaspora.”
Aimed at fostering awareness and appreciation of traditional Indian folk arts, the Nam Marabu series has conducted workshops on Sakkai Kuchi, a dynamic dance with handheld sticks, Thevarattam, also known as the “dance of the gods”, and Thudumbattam, an energetic form performed to the beat of the thudumbu drum.
To further enrich the cultural experience and ensure authenticity, the Bihu workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Singapore Assamese Association, which brought in 10 performers to support and guide the participants.
Renowned Assamese dancer and choreographer Jasmine Sethia Bukhan, 38, led the workshop. Her seasoned movements were accompanied by rhythmic beats from acclaimed dhol artiste Manob Gogoi.
With over 15 years of experience teaching Bihu at NPS International School in Guwahati, Assam, Jasmine shared that her passion for the dance form began with her mother – her first guru.
“It was a special experience to teach this dance to people of various age groups and tailor it to their individual abilities,” she said. “Imparting knowledge about our culture in such an inclusive setting was truly refreshing.”
For eight-year-old Moira, a young Assamese girl born and raised in Singapore, the workshop offered a personal connection to her heritage – especially as she has never visited Assam.
“I’m happy I got to learn the Bihu dance, which represents my culture,” she said with pride.
Atam SG also conducted a Bihu dance masterclass from May 21 to 24, designed specifically for experienced dancers and practitioners to explore the art form in greater depth.
The enthusiastic turnout for both the masterclass and the public workshop took the organisers by surprise, said vice-president of the Singapore Assamese Association Atreyee Barthakur.
“What made this collaboration even more heartening was the number of non-Assamese participants – people from different cultural backgrounds – who joined these sessions.
“Despite their personal commitments, they chose to devote time to learning an unfamiliar art form from scratch. That level of dedication is truly commendable.”
