Assam: Bodo cultural body angry over 'distorted' folk dance performance, files FIR

The Dularai Boro Harimu Afad (DBHA), a cultural organisation of the Bodo community has expressed their disappointment over the "distorted" presentation of folk dances and musical instruments of the community. 

 

Addressing a press conference in Kokrajhar on May 20, DBHA President Bijual Basumatary, General Secretary Bijitgiri Basumatary and Assistant Secretary Sanjeev Brahma said that several commercial groups, under the pretext of showcasing culture, have been misrepresenting Bodo folk dance, music, and culture, thereby disrespecting the Bodo community. 

 

They also highlighted that sacred cultural folk dances like Bwisagu, Bagurumba, and Daosri delai mwsanai are being distorted and misrepresented. 

 

In the press meet, they also mentioned that while it is forgivable if children make mistakes, these commercial groups are held accountable. 

 

The DBHA leaders emphasised that the cultural groups have crossed a line by presenting such distorted versions of traditional performances. Hence, they demanded accountability and an apology from all groups involved in the misrepresentation and that an FIR has been filed against 14 commercial cultural groups.

 

They also warned other groups against incorrect portrayals of their culture. 

 

It is noteworthy that the cultural groups mentioned in the FIR by the DBHA are Tezpur's Tezpuriya Thespian, Marigaon's Aparna Cultural Group, Guwahati's Shukladhvaja Lokabadya Dal, Naksatra, Meghmallar, Pratidhwani, Riha Thangali Kristi Dal, Agnishikha Cultural Group, Ramdhenu, Darang's Luitapariya Cultural Group, Saraijhar's Lokakriti Dal, Nandanik Orchestra Group, and Jhankar Suror ek Mayajaal.