Rhythms of heritage: Dimasa community welcomes Bushu Dima with song, dance and tradition

The hills of Dima Hasao came alive on January 27, as the Dimasa community began celebrations of Bushu Dima, their most important cultural festival, marking a time of joy, unity and deep-rooted tradition.

Observed every year on January 27, Bushu Dima is more than a festival, it is a living expression of the Dimasa people’s history, identity and rich cultural heritage. From the villages of Dima Hasao to Dimasa settlements in Cachar, Hojai, Karbi Anglong, Nagaland and Guwahati, the festival is being celebrated with great enthusiasm wherever the community resides.

The celebrations are marked by traditional games, vibrant cultural competitions and the graceful Baidhima dance, performed to the beats of age-old musical instruments such as the kharam (drum) and muri (flute). Community members, dressed in colourful traditional attire, come together to sing, dance and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.

A highlight of Bushu Dima is its rich culinary tradition. Homes and community spaces are filled with the aroma of rice-based delicacies, while Judima, the locally brewed rice beer, adds to the festive cheer. Community feasts bring together people of all ages, reinforcing bonds and passing traditions from one generation to the next.

On the eve of the festival, a mini playground and a statue of late Tharjanan Khersa were inaugurated at Maibang, the sub-divisional headquarters of Dima Hasao. Khersa, the first Gaonbura of Maibang, is remembered for his lasting contributions to the development of the region, and the inauguration served as a tribute to his legacy.

The event was attended by the Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa, along with the Council Chairman, Executive Members, MACs and other dignitaries.

As Bushu Dima unfolds across the region, it stands as a celebration of resilience, culture and community, where heritage is not just remembered, but joyfully lived.