Assamese Sad Biya Naam

In Assamese society, biya (marriage) is one ofthe most important and
commonly observed social functions celebratedwith great enthusiasmand gaiety.
To add merriment the women folk sing different types ofmarriage songs at
different stages ofthe marriage ritual. The songs ofmarriage are commonly
called as biyagit or biyanam sung in a traditional Assamese Hindu marriage.
Biyanam (marriage song) is an important genre ofsongs associated with the
life-cycle. The marriage songs are essentially lyrics sung bywomen. Themusical
leader ofthe group initiates the song and women folk participate to sing. The
musical leader is known as gideli, namati or ayati. The wholeAssamese society
is portrayed by in these holy songs. The biyanams are the oral traditions handed
down by the word ofmouth from one generation to another. So, it is very difficult
to say the name ofthe composer and the time of its composition; The biya-
pads are simple in language and imagery. They are repleted with similes,
alliteration, wit and.refinement ofawoman’s heart. They come out in caressing
tunes when the namati (musical leader) ofthe gathering has to describe the
beauty and grace ofthe bride, when the lateris bathed in sanctified water, when
she sits among her companions, when the groom is to be greeted and the dear
girl is ritually offered. The gideli or namati gives vivid descriptions ofsadness
through hersongs, when the dear girl is to be parted with and taken away.
It can be specially called as women songs where women voice theirinner
world- their thoughts, feelings, dignity, power and their sense of worth.
Author: R K Studio
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