One of the beautiful folk dances of Assam that is a mélange of deep religious fervor, high traditional vibes and energetic yet risky dance moves is the Deodhani dance

One of the beautiful folk dances of Assam that is a mélange of deep religious fervor, high traditional vibes and energetic yet risky dance moves is the Deodhani dance

It is performed during the period of July & August every year when Manasa Puja is celebrated and is done in honour of the Serpent Goddess Manasa

It is performed during the period of July & August every year when Manasa Puja is celebrated and is done in honour of the Serpent Goddess Manasa

This spiritual dance form is celebrated with pomp and gaiety annually at the premises of Kamkahya Temple in Guwahati. This year, the Deodhani Festival is being celebrated from August 17 to August 19

This spiritual dance form is celebrated with pomp and gaiety annually at the premises of Kamkahya Temple in Guwahati. This year, the Deodhani Festival is being celebrated from August 17 to August 19

It is a traditional three day festive celebration when the holy atmosphere of Kamakhya Temple comes alive with the sacred vibes of energetic dance movements along with the wonderful rhythm of musical instruments like drums and cymbals and beautiful holy chants

It is a traditional three day festive celebration when the holy atmosphere of Kamakhya Temple comes alive with the sacred vibes of energetic dance movements along with the wonderful rhythm of musical instruments like drums and cymbals and beautiful holy chants

During this festival, it’s believed that deities, including Manasa and others like Jaydurga, Vanadurga, Shiva, and Ganesh, possess the Deodhani dancers

During this festival, it’s believed that deities, including Manasa and others like Jaydurga, Vanadurga, Shiva, and Ganesh, possess the Deodhani dancers

These dancers, known as Deodhay, perform in a trance-like state, often wielding weapons and dancing to the rhythm of musical instruments and chants

These dancers, known as Deodhay, perform in a trance-like state, often wielding weapons and dancing to the rhythm of musical instruments and chants

Devotees from across the globe often throng the Shaktipeeth located atop the Nilachal to witness this traditional dance come alive in all its colour and glory

Devotees from across the globe often throng the Shaktipeeth located atop the Nilachal to witness this traditional dance come alive in all its colour and glory

Deodhani is derived from two words – Deo, which means God, and Dhani, which means woman, literally meaning a woman possessed (Shaman) by god.

Deodhani is derived from two words – Deo, which means God, and Dhani, which means woman, literally meaning a woman possessed (Shaman) by god.

A male Shaman form is also present, called 'Deodha-Joki' in Kamrup by the Bodo people and 'Deodhai' elsewhere in Assam

A male Shaman form is also present, called 'Deodha-Joki' in Kamrup by the Bodo people and 'Deodhai' elsewhere in Assam

The songs that are sung during the dance performance by an Ojha (chorus leader)

The songs that are sung during the dance performance by an Ojha (chorus leader)

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