BHAONA

About:

• Bhaona, a mythology-based theatrical performance, is a traditional form of entertainment, with religious messages, prevalent is Assam, India.
  
  
• It is a creation of Sankardeva, written in the early sixteenth century. He created the form to convey religious messages to villagers through entertainment.
  
  
• The plays of bhaona are popularly known as Ankiya Nats and their staging is known as bhaona.
  
  
• Bhaona is generally staged at satras and namghars in Assam.
  
  
• A Bhaona, involving dialogues, songs and dances by performers in costumes and ornaments, usually involves 40-50 people, including those playing heavy drums and cymbals.
  
  
• The bhaonas are written in the Assamese and Brajavali languages.