Written by Prantik Deka
Tokari Geet, a traditional Assamese form of devotional and philosophical folk music, has been an integral part of Assam's cultural heritage for centuries.
Often performed alongside the Tokari, a string instrument with ancient origins, this art form carries deep historical and spiritual significance.
In inspiring news, the feature documentary "Strings of Tradition: A Tokari Geet Story", which explores the age-old art form, has been honoured with an Honorable Jury Mention at the 16th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival-2026, organised by Mini Films, which took place at the Tivoli Garden Resort in New Delhi on April 30, 2026. The film has also been conferred the Special Jury Mention at the Indian World Film Festival held in Hyderabad.
Produced and directed by Dr. Aparna Buzarbaruah, eminent author, musician, and botanist, the film narrates the journey of an Indian scholar striving to uncover the essence of the rich and profound folk music tradition known as Tokari Geet. As she immerses herself in her studies, the journey transcends mere academic pursuit - it transforms into an intimate voyage of reconnecting with and embracing her cultural heritage.
Tokari Geet brings back to her the beauty she had once overlooked, the enduring strength of Assam's vibrant heritage, and the importance of preserving it. The documentary employs a fictional narrative to provide viewers with an insightful overview of the cultural heritage of Tokari Geet, its contemporary relevance, and the younger generation's engagement with traditional folk music.
The concept behind "Strings of Tradition" originated from Dr. Aparna Buzarbaruah's enduring passion for Hindustani classical and folk music. Although her foundation lies in classical traditions, she recognised an essential obligation to document Tokari Geet, an oral tradition deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Assam. Her primary motivation was to safeguard the teachings of the Gurus and the philosophical essence of Deha-Tattwa, ensuring their transmission to future generations.
With limited written records available, Dr. Buzarbaruah relied on oral accounts and the collective living memories of experts, practitioners, and performers who embody the spirit of Tokari Geet to trace its Pre-Sankari origins. They include journalist and music researcher Gautam Sharma, veteran folk musician Khagen Gogoi, emerging folk music practitioner Hirak Jyoti Sharma, Dr. Jadab Baishya (a former accompanist of the late Umakanta Bairagi), and skilled folk musician Nayan Jyoti Saikia from Kuthori, Kaziranga. The film strives to ensure that traditions such as Tokari Geet continue to thrive, resonate, and inspire future generations.
The 28-minute documentary also explores the life and legacy of Umakanta Bairagi, a distinguished artist conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and a pivotal custodian of the Tokari and Dehabichar Geet traditions, whose voice resonated with the heritage of generations. Bairagi was not only revered in Assam but also respected nationwide for his dedication to preserving and revitalising Assam's traditional oral folk heritage.
He devoted his entire life to this cause through his enchanting performances, insightful writings, and timeless song recordings. The film captures a profound sense of authenticity by depicting the intricate process of crafting the Tokari instrument from traditional Chatiyana wood. This elaborate portrayal extends to the careful spinning of the strings, adhering to ancient practices that have persisted since the era of Lord Shiva.
The documentary transforms into a richly immersive, director-driven tale, shifting away from a didactic tone to embrace a profound spiritual odyssey, embodying the belief that lifelong learning endures until the very last breath.
Overseeing a production of this magnitude demanded a flawless integration of art and technology. "I managed the creative direction and the background music, while Manash Hazarika, our Technical Director, handled the intricate requirements of capturing folk instruments in high fidelity. We operated as a tight-knit collective, balancing our financial resources to prioritise the authentic acoustic representation of the Tokari," Dr. Buzarbaruah remarked.
"To bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary audiences, we are leveraging digital storytelling and film editor Antareep Hazarika's 70,000-subscriber YouTube network. Our plan is to take this film to cultural festivals and educational institutions to ensure Tokari Geet does not die out," Dr. Buzarbaruah stated.
Made under the banner of Rohini Production, "Strings of Tradition: A Tokari Geet Story" is directed, produced, and written by Dr. Aparna Buzarbaruah. The narration of the film is provided by Antara Buzarbaruah, who portrays the fictional character Alankrita Goswami.
The film's technical direction and audio mixing are handled by Manash Hazarika, while Antareep Hazarika serves as the editor, digital intermediate specialist, and scriptwriter. The background music is composed by Dr. Aparna Buzarbaruah, cinematography is by Sazzad Hussain, and Rajib Das manages production.