Bardaichikhla is a traditional dance played by the
Bodo tribe of
Assam. It is performed for welcoming the rains. The word ‘Bardaichikhla' is a combination of three words - ‘bar’ (storm), ‘dai’ (water) and ‘chikhla’ (girl). As the word suggests this dance is performed by girls, who by portraying the storm and rainfall celebrate the onset of monsoon.
The girls performing Bardaichikhla hold scarf in one hand and an instrument (Khonjari) in other hand. The hairs are let loose. The girls while dancing form a variety of circular, horizontal and parallel formations. The music is provided by ethnic instruments such as kham (a big drum), sifung (flute), charinda (a string instrument) and cymbal.
