 | ||
Ojapali is a traditional folk dance from the Assam region of India. Ojapali is believed to have evolved from Kathakata tradition and is performed in a group; it is believed to be one of the oldest art forms of Assam. Originally evolved in the Kamata state the western and northern part of river Brahmaputra later limited to Darang area under the patronisation of Darangi King Dharmanarayana. The repertoire of this performance consists of songs, dialogues, gesture, improvised acting and dramatisation etc. The group member consisted of an Oja, who lead the performance and four or five palies, who supplements the performance with continuous rhythm by playing cymbal. Among the Palies Daina pali who stand on the right-hand side of the Oja is the active one and he and Oja gets the performance forward. Many beliefs that Shankardeva also takes the inspiration from Ojapali to create his Ankiya Bhaona. More over he also create his own Sattriya Ojapali. Generally Darangi Suknanni Ojapali sings the lyrics written by Sukabi Narayanadeva in Padmapurana. Padma Purana covers the story of serpent goddess Manasha.
present day Ojapali is very limited to Darang, Mangaldoi,Shipajhar, some other parts of Tezpur and Udalguri district. Lalit chandra Nath and Kinaram Nath have been awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for their contribution to this art form. Presently Lalit Chandra Nath Oja's family are working towards Ojapali's development in Shipajhar District.
Ojapali can be divided into three forms based on the occasion and style: