Dance drama from Assam to be enacted in Vashi

Bhaona - a dance drama, and a traditional form of entertainment prevalent in Assam since the early 16th century - will be performed in English at Vashi's CIDCO Exhibition Centre on January 11.

Prajanmya Unmesh, a socio-cultural organisation of Assam, in association with Department of Culture, Government of Assam, will host the show from 8 pm. Entry is free for all.

The origins of Bhaona goes back to the days of Srimanta Sankardeva, the Vaisnava saint of Assam, who gave shape to this art form. Mainly performed in Brajavali - primarily an amalgamation of Assamese and Maithili - Bhaona narrates mythological and religious scriptures, viz. the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, in clusters or chapters. One that will be performed in Vashi will be that of the slaying of Ravana by Rama. This Bhaona is called Ravan Badh.

In a first, the artistes from Assam will be perfoming this Bhaona in English in order to reach out to a larger audience. In September last year, the artistes performed a Bhaona in New Delhi to narrate a chapter from the Mahabharata. The performance in the capital city was inaugurated by noted scholar Dr Kapila Vatsyayan. In Navi Mumbai, singer Usha Mangeshkar will grace the occasion as the chief guest.

Both Arup Saikia and Gitimallika Baidya, the Director and joint coordinator of the socio-cultural organisation, are hopeful that this initiative will help popularise the unique Bhaona culture beyond the boundaries of Assam.