One cannot describe Assam without talking about the world famous Bihu dance, which has become the identity of the northeastern state. Performed mostly during the annual Bihu festival celebrated around April, it is Assam's most popular folk dance. Performed by both men and women, this cheerful dance sees participants clad in traditional attires. The dancers sway their bodies gracefully to the rhythm of folk music, which leaves the audiences entertained and enchanted. Bihu dance has been an integral part of the culture of the various ethnic groups in Assam like the Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Moran, Borahis and others. Out of the three Bihu festivals in the state namely Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu and Bhogal Bihu, the dance is performed by young men and women during the Rongali Bihu to express their joy on the arrival of the spring. According to Assamese history, the first ever Bihu dance performance was done in 1694 when the Ahom king Rudra Singha (1696-1714) invited Bihu dancers on the special occasion of Rongali Bihu.

The dancers adorn the traditional mekhela chador during their performance. While mekhela is a cylindrically shaped outfit worn on the lower half of the body, the chador like a shawl is draped to cover the upper half. The attires are usually made from Muga silk, which is exclusively produced in Assam. Women dancers also wear ethnic heavy jewellery and beautify their braids with colourful flowers. The dance form has gained immense popularity not only in India but also in different parts of the world. It was a proud moment for the state when professiona