Bishu Dima (also known as Busu Dima) is the biggest local festival of Dima Hasao district in Assam. A post-harvest festival of the Dimasa Kachari tribe, it is celebrated in every town and village of the hill district.
"Dima" alludes to the Dimasa tribe, while "Busu/Bishu" refers to Bihu. The festival is an essential component of the lifestyle and culture of the Dimasas. And an attempt to preserve the Dimasa tribe's traditional food and culture. It is celebrated when all of the work for the jhum cultivation is finished. Bishu Dima is an opportunity for some much-needed rest from the hard work in the fields.
How It Is Celebrated
Weaving, food, and agriculture are all interwoven into their lifestyle. And the festival reflects this. People observe religious rituals, organise folk music and dance performances, and cook up a feast. Food is a big part of this winter harvest festival. They dress in customary handwoven clothing, and gift handwoven cloth to family and friends.
The singing and dancing is done to the accompaniment of traditional folk instruments like the khram (drum) and the moori (a traditional trumpet).
The festival is observed in various ways, depending on the level of preparation and the number of days set aside for the festivities. The length of the celebrations also varies from village to village some of them last three days, while others may last as long as seven. There are three ways to commemorate the festival Three days of celebrations are known as Busu Jidap, five days of celebrations are known as Surem, and seven days of celebrations are known as Hangseu Busu.
The Baidima Dance
Baidima is a cultural folk dance of the Dimasa Kachari tribe. People from Dimasa-dominated regions in neighbouring Cachar, Karbi Anglong, Nogaon, and Dimapur come together to participate in the traditional dance, which is a component of the harvest celebration.
About the Dimasa Kacharis
The word 'Dimasa' means 'children of the great river' 'Di' means river, and 'ma' means big, and'sa' means children.
Assam's Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Nowgong, and Cachar districts are home to the Dimasa Kachari tribe. A few Dimasa people have also made Nagaland their home.
A long-standing custom of the Dimasa Kacharis is to weave textiles using thread made from eri cocoons. There are claims that the eri fabric produced by Dimasa women is of a far higher quality than that produced in other areas of Assam.
The Information
In Assam, Busu Dima is observed by the Dimasa community of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Cachar, and Nagaon. In Nagaland, it is celebrated in Dimapur.
When Various festivities and programmes begin from January 27.
