The gogona is a type of
jaw harp, a vibrating
reed instrument that is used primarily in the traditional
Bihu music in
Assam. In Boro language, it is known as Gongina.[1] It is made of a piece of
bamboo/
horn that has a bifurcation on one end. The solid end is gripped with the teeth and the free ends are then struck repeatedly with the fingers to emit the distinctive sound of the gogona. It was originally developed in ancient
China(
Kouxian) and passed on to the Sino-Tibetan tribes who migrated to Assam, now chiefly used by the Sadiyal Kacharis(Chutias, Deoris, Sonowals).
Types
Ramdhan Gogona is generally played by men. It is shorter, wider and slightly heavier than the Lahori Gogona, to fit properly in a typical man's hand. This instrument is often tucked in a tongali tied around the performer's waist or in a vivid
Gamusa tied around the head like other instruments like
Bahi (
Flute),
Xutuli etc.
Lahori Gogona[2] is made to fit a woman's hand, so it is slightly slimmer and longer than the Ramdhan Gogona. It is generally tucked into a hair knot while performing the vibrant
Bihu dance.