Bhaona

Bhaona is a traditional form of folk theatre from Assam, India. It is a highly stylized performance that combines dance, music, and dialogue to present stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as other mythological tales and historical events. Bhaona performances are usually held during religious festivals, particularly in the months of Bhada and Chaitra, and are often staged in open-air courtyards of temples or villages.

The performances are characterized by elaborate costumes, vibrant makeup, and intricate masks worn by the actors, particularly for portraying divine and demonic characters. The music features traditional Assamese instruments such as the khol, taio, and flute, and is often accompanied by chanting and singing. The dialogues are delivered in a rhythmic and dramatic style, incorporating elements of poetry and prose.

Bhaona was systematized and popularized by the 15th-century Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, who aimed to spread religious teachings and moral values among the masses through the medium of theatre. He introduced various elements that are still integral to Bhaona today, including the use of a narrator figure called the Sutradhar, who guides the audience through the narrative. Over centuries, Bhaona has evolved, incorporating local flavors and adapting to changing social contexts while retaining its core essence as a vibrant cultural expression of Assamese heritage.