[2] A Deodhani dance is generally performed to the accompaniment of songs sung by an Ojha, a traditional chorus leader in the Darrang district of Assam.
A male Shaman form is also present, called 'Deodha-Joki' in Kamrup by the Bodo people and 'Deodhai' elsewhere in Assam.
Deodhani depicts the dance of a Shaman woman or man when he or she is possessed by a spiritual being.
In Deodhani, the songs sung by Ojapali are known as Xuknoni in undivided Darrang district and is quite distinct from the aboriginal 'Deodha-Joki' origin & ritualistic oracle cum Shamanistic dance form of the Kaibarta-Jalkeot community in Undivided Kamrup district it is accompanied by Bor-Dhol's.
[4][5] Dancers take a sword and shield and present a virile war dance during the performance.