OjapaliDistinctive folk dance from Assam performed by men
Ojapali combines narrative singing and dancing interspersed with dramatic dialogue and action
Ojapali is a group consisting of 'Palis', the assistants and 'Oja' means leaders. One who is expert in dancing, singing and recitation and has proficiency of delivering dialogues is known as Oja
The Oja is the main narrator-singer. There is one 'Pali' known as 'Daina Pali' who is the principal assistant.
Ojapali focuses on the stories from epics and puranas. It is associated with the goddess Manasa's worship. Their dance bears clear evidence of many aspects of Indian classical dances like 'Hasta', 'Gati', 'Bhramari', Utplavana', 'Asana'
The only instrument played by Ojapali is 'Khutitaal' (palm sized Cymbal). The music of Ojapali has a raga system of clear classical orientation and the Neo-Vaishnava heritage
The Oja wears 'Ghuri', bangals, 'unti', ring, 'nupur' and 'tangali'. The performers wear long sleeved white gowns and silver jewelry
There are different types of Ojapali such as Biygoa Ojapali (epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are performed), Sukannani Ojapali (Performance on the tragic story of Behula-Lakhindar from Padma Purana), Ranayani Ojapali (performance on various stories of Ramayana are presented)