Folk Music of Assam is equally rich like the state"s rich culture. Its richness can be very well noticed in its different types of folk music which reflects the life of the folk people. Since the origin of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Assamese music has been affluent. Nevertheless, the introduction of Indian Classical music and Religious music of Mahapurux Sankardeva and Madhavdeva has added precious stones to the coronet of Assamese folk music, which dates back to several centuries and evidences of practice of music are found during the 2nd century.
Folk Music of Assam is rich and encompasses different types of folk music. Some of the famous Folk Music of Assam is as follows;
Bihu Geet: The festival of Bihu is the heart and soul of Assamese culture and Bihugeet are the songs sung during this festival. The carnival of life is expressed through Bihu songs. These songs are performed by youth, which is characterized by, flinging and flipping of hands, brisk stepping and swaying of hips.
Kamrupiya Lokageet: Kamrupiya Lokageet is a popular form of folk music of Assam, which is basically sung in lower Assam. This music developed during the reign of Kamrupa Kingdom. These songs are based on various human emotions, especially of common people. It is known for its richness of musical style.
Goalporiya Lokageet: Goalporiya Lokgeet is a form of folk music of Assam, which is mainly sung in the Goalpara district of Assam. It is basically lyrical song of Goalpara based mainly on love.
Tokari Geet: Tokari Geet is another type of folk music of Assam which is based on different Indian mythological stories as well as the social life of people. These songs are performed with Tokari, a folk musical instrument with a single string played with fingers, cymbals and flute. These songs are mainly sung by the male folk led by a leader.
Aainam: Aainam is a devotional folk music of the state, which is sung by the women. It is related to death and illness, and is sung when someone in the family is suffering from some serious sickness, especially small pox. It is sung by women clapping their hands to praise the Goddess and is still prevalent in lower Assam.
Bianaam: Bianaam is another popular form of folk music of Assam, which is prevalent in both Upper Assam and Lower Assam. These are basically marriage songs sung during the marriage and are generally fun making the bride and groom. These songs illustrate epic stories of King Baana and his daughter Usha who was married to Anniruddha, the grandson of Lord Krishna. These songs are particularly sung by the women folk of the society.
Dihanaam: It is a congregational prayer in praise of the Assamese saint Sankardev. Dihanaam is mainly sung by women in Assam and is accompanied by musical instruments like Negera, taal, khol and also hand-clapping.
Bhawaiya: It is a folk musical form that resembles tunes of pop and was originated in northern part of Bengal during the 16h century. Gradually, the music made its way to Assam and is currently sung in various themes by the working class. The music has evolved over centuries and is now accompanies by folk dances.
Ojapali: It is a type of folk music and dance form that is considered as one of the ancient art forms in Assam. Ojapali is mainly performed in groups and is common during religious festivals and celebrations. The lyrics of Ojapali have been inspired by Padma Purana.
Apart from the above mentioned, there are several other types namely, Nawariageets, Jhumur, Bongeet, Dihanaam, Jikir and Zari, Hiranaam, Nichukoni geet, Gorokhiya Naam, Deori Mosaia, Holi Geet, Nao Khelor geet, Dehbichar Geet, Siyaan Geet, etc.
