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Ojapali: The Sacred Dance of Assam

Sanchayeeta Parashar
Sanchayeeta Parashar
Sanchayeeta is an aspiring writer from Assam who's passionate about exploring different tribes and sharing the beauty of their cultures with her readers. She is a resident writer for The Indegenous.

Engage with the Timeless Art of Ojapali Dance in Assam

Ojapali is one of the most ancient and indigenous dance forms of Assam. It is a half-dramatic performing art with a rich and glorious history. Ojapali is a beautiful product of the great Indian classical dance form and holds a position in the pages of the ancient history of Assam as a sacred dance.

ORIGIN OF THE DANCE FORM AND HISTORICAL PIECES OF EVIDENCE

Although the exact origin of Ojapali is not known there are several mythological references, legends and historical evidence in this context.

  • According to a popular reference from the Mahabharata, Arjuna, the third Pandava, delivered the knowledge of Gandharva Vidya: Oja pali to Uttara. He bought dresses and instruments from Amravati to teach the divine dance form.
  • Another popular legend says that the knowledge of this sacred dance was first received by a woman named Parijata, in her dream. She bought all the jewelry and costumes and taught the art form to her disciples and soon it gained popularity.
  • The Vaishanavite literature of ancient Assam also gives reference to the dance form of Ojapali.
  • Vyasa kalai, a devotee of Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardeva who was well-versed in music and recitation is considered the originator of Ojapali. The reference to Vyasa-kalai can be traced in Daittyari Thakur's "Sri Sankar Dev aru Sri Madhab Dev." PP 77-78; Vyasakalai name janeka acaya 

Tanka sama guni nai jatita Brahmana 

OJAPALI: A SACRED DANCE FORM

The word Ojapali traces its roots from Sanskrit. Oja means Upadhya and Pali means Palita. In this choral performing art a mythological tale is narrated by the chief performer referred to as the Oja. The art is a beautiful integration of dance, music and acting and the Oja holds an expertise in all these branches. TheOoja is assisted by a daina pali(second leader) who acts as the right-hand man of the Oja and other supporting dancers.

An Ojapali group consists of one Oja and six palis. Here is a description of their attire

  1. Oja (Leader of the Troupe):
  • Capcan: A flowing shirt paired with pajamas.
  • Girdle: A belt or sash around the waist.
  • Pachara: An ornate cloth made from muga cocoon, draped over both shoulders.
  • White Turban: A special type of turban, likely significant to his role.
  • Anklets and Gamkharu: Traditional jewelry worn on the ankles.
  • Necklace and Rings: Additional ornaments worn around the neck and on the fingers.
  • Sandalwood Mark: A decorative mark on the forehead, often used in various traditional practices.
  1. Palis (Members of the Troupe):
  • Loin Cloth: Made from cotton, likely worn for comfort and ease of movement.
  • Capcan: Similar to the Oja's, a flowing shirt.
  • Turban: A stylish white turban worn on their heads, likely to match the uniformity of the troupe.

TYPES OF OJAPALI

Oja pali is mainly of three types

  1. Biyah Gowa ojapali
  2. Suknanni Ojapali
  3. Ramayani Ojapali

Biyah Gowa Ojapali:

The Biya Ojapali beautifully demonstrates the stories of Mahabharata. It depicts devotion to Vasudev and the tradition that existed in the ancient Kamrup or Assam in the 3rd or 4th century.

The Oja leads the performance and makes all the arrangements. The Palis follow the beats and repeat it with their feet. Parallely they sing the main narrations of the Oja. It showcases unique angik abhinaya and intricate eye hand coordination and feet movement. The whole music is based on Raagas. Biyah Gowa Ojapali is still practiced in the Haygrib Madhab temple and in Mayong.

Suknanni Ojapali:

Suknanni Ojapali is dedicated to the worship of Maa Manasa, the Goddess of Serpents. The practice of worshiping Maa manasa is prevalent in Lower Assam. According to mythological legends, Maa Manasa is the daughter of Shiv-Shakti and is often referred to as bishohari devi. The performing art of Sukannani Ojapali started in the 10th-11th century. The music is based on the composition of the Assamese poet, Narayandev, the author of Padma Purana(1615-37). It also involves an Oja assisted by Palis. The body movements are defined by definite Taals and Ragas.

In Kamrup district, Sukannani Ojapali has a component of a frenzied dance called deodhani(God's women) accompanied by the Daina Pali's music. Deodhani dance is also performed in the Goalpara district, especially in the Tukreshwari temple, an Upashaktipeeth.

Ramayani Ojapali:

Ramayana Ojapali restricts their theme to the stories of Ramayana only. It is particularly centered around the Assamese version of Ramayan and different episodes of the epic are beautifully demonstrated through a divine union of music, satire, dance and acting.

REFERENCES

  • (Kandali,278)
  • (Devi,2012)