Bushu festival

Bushu, the name of a much vaunted festival of the Dimasa Kacharis in Assam is no less an occasion for this tribe to showcase their rich culture and tradition atop the North Cachar Hills along with some areas in Hojai, Karbi Anglong districts in Assam. They are apart from some others in Dimapur district of Nagaland. Literally, “Bi” means pray while “Shu” stands for asking for peace. The festival of joy and merriment marks the end of the jhum cultivation. Moreover, it is an initiative to keep alive their traditional food, sports, culture. With the new autumnal rice, they find the festival an occasion to get a respite from the back bricking toil.

The celebration takes place on January 27. Till 1994, the event was celebrated on January 28. But later the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council finalised the schedule on January 27. Amid pinching cold waves in the Dimasa dominated areas, festival is celebrated in three phases. The preliminary part is called Busu Jidap which continues for two or three days. This followed by the five day long Surem Baino. Then comes Hangseu Busu which lasts for seven days where dances and songs are allowed to dominate the event. Dressed in colourful traditional attire, young boys and girls join ‘Baidima’(a traditional Dimasa dance). The entire NC Hills along with Hojai, Karbi Anglong and Dimapur keep throbbing with the sounds of khram (drum) to be mesmerized by muri (a rhythm). Thus, the whole night of songs and dances showcases the rich culture and tradition of these tribal people which reaches perfection with judima (rice beer), pork, chicken and fish.

The colourful tribe, thus, hold the festival symbolizing their unity and coexistence among the people of other people in the hills and valleys. Traditional sports and games also fi no less place during the festival. These are apart from the sound of their traditional flute Muri. Others include folk tales, songs and rituals Gaijaibao (village elder) Naga Hoja,, Matla Hoja. After all, it promotes unity and understanding amongst the people of all ages and social status.