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[Full title: Performing Arts under the auspices of the Devalaya (2) Nagara Naam]

Nagara Nam is a unique form of folk performing arts prevalent in undivided Kamrup, means Nalbari, Baksa and Barpeta districts. It is a combination of singing and acting with playing of a musical instrument called Nagara and Taal. As Nagara is the primary musical folk musical instrument, it is named so. A typical team performing Nagara Nam is led by a Pathak, followed by a team of Pali(s). It starts with Jagoni- random and rapid and heavy beating of Nagara for warming up all the team members and to draw the attention of the spectators. The thematic contents of the songs used in Nagara Nam are derived from Puranic stories. The singing is supported by the solo acting of the Pathak who wears typical Assamese folk attire, keeping a Gamocha around his neck.

This form of performing art is based upon the Vaishnavaite tradition propounded by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. But the thematic concern of the art form does not clash with the tradition of Shaktism. The folk people entertain themselves by attending this type of performances. This form of performing arts is a sine qua non of the Billeswar Devalaya activities. If it is analyzed in an unbiased way it becomes clear that these types of performing arts are in practice to keep a large number of folk people attached the Devalaya Complex with a view to making it all time festive during the festivals. It is interesting to note that in every Durga Puja celebration various Nagara Naam troupes from the adjoining places are invited for participating in the event. They are scheduled to perform without contradicting with the other agendas of the celebrations. The mega event of Billeswar Devalaya is the Durga Puja which is being celebrated since the time of Shivashimha, the Ahom king, who was the devout worshiper of Devi Durga.

There are so many remarkable Nagara Nam groups, who have earned name and fame. Examples of some of them may be cited: Groups of Khagen Deka from Chamata, Dharani Barman, Harkanta Rajbonshi, Ajit Deka from Amani, Urmila Das from Solmara, Pulen Das from Balowa, Pankaj Talukdar from Bagurihati, Ramcharan Bharali from Kalakuchi Kumarikata. Ramcharan Bhrali is considered to be a stalwart of this performing art. He is a recipient of Shilpi Pension from Govt. of Assam in 1998 and many other awards from the state and the nation. (Haloi: 2013: 123)