Culture of Assam , India

Assam, “the Gateway of North-East India” is situated in the north-eastern part of India and has a charming assimilation of different culture. The inhabitants of the state are an extensive racial merger of Aryan, Mongolian, Indo-Iranian and Indo-Burmese origin. The extensive racial amalgamation of the inhabitants have together formed the state of Assam and its people came to be known as ‘Assamese’ and the amalgamation has gone ahead in forming the traditions and culture of Assam, which is a blend of beliefs, faith, religions, festivals, food, language, dance & music and art & crafts. The origin of Assamese culture traces back to thousand years when the first cultural amalgamation ensued between people of Tibeto-Burman and Austro-Asiatic.

Assam-India

The state of Assam is said to have the largest number of tribes in the entire country and each tribe has their own culture, traditions, lifestyle and dialects. However, Assamese is the official language of the state that is spoken by everyone. The primary indigenous groups of the state are Kosh-Rajbanshi, Bodo, Kachari, Rabha and Miri who have contributed in forming the rich and vibrant Assamese cultural tapestry. The state’s culture is also influenced by the Ahom dynasty, who ruled over the state for over 600 years, who came to Assam crossing the Patkai Mountains from Thailand. The Vaishanav Movement, which was a religio-cultural movement that took place during the 15th century under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva to unite the people of the state, has also contributed immensely in forming the cultural heritage of the beautiful and mesmerizing state of Assam.Assam is a famous tourist Destination.

Symbolism

One of the important elements of Assamese culture is symbolism, which is a primeval practice and has immense relevance even in today’s modern world. Important symbols of love and respect are Xorai, Tamulpan and Gamusa. Xorai is a tray with a stand made of bell-metal, which is used for make offerings and show respect. Tamulpan is areca nut and betel leaves, which is considered as an auspicious offering that depicts respect, devotion and love and Gamusa is a hand woven towel given as a symbol of respect.

Festivals of Assam

The state celebrates a number of festivals as a huge number of tribes reside together. However, the most important festival of Assam is Bihu, which is a series of three festivals, namely Bohag or rongali Bihu, celebrated to welcome the spring season, Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu and Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, which is a harvesting festival. Bihu is celebrated with great zeal and fervor across the state. Another important festival is the Bwisagu, which is indigenous to the Bodo tribe and marks the beginning of the New Year. Ali Ai Ligan, a festival of the Miri or Mising tribe, marks the beginning of spring season. Besides these festivals, all religious festivals are celebrated with grandeur throughout the state.

 Assamese Food

Food and culinary style forms a part of the culture of any region and likewise, the unique culinary style also forms a part of Assamese culture. Rice is the staple food along with fish curries. The traditional food of the state is prepared using a lot of spices and herbs and contains a number of delicacies made of green vegetables. The popular delicacies are Aloo Pitika (Smashed Potatoes mixed with onion and various herbs), Masor Tenga (Sour Fish curry made of tomatoes), Khar, etc. Non-vegetarian food is consumed by the people of the state of which Duck preparations, pigeon, chicken and fish are the most popular ones. A variety of sweets are prepared, which consist of Pithas, Ladoo, Kheer, etc.

Dance & Music

The state of Assam has a rich cultural heritage and dance & music forms a part of it. Bihu, Bagarumba, Straiya Nirtya, Deodhani, etc. are some of the popular dance forms of the state. However, the state has a myriad of music that is segregated into folk, devotional and modern music. Kamrupi Lokageet, Goalpariya Lokageet, Borgeet, Husori, Bihugeet, Jhumur, Zikir and Zari, etc are some of the popular music forms of the state.

Art and Crafts

Conventionally a state of craftsmen, Assam is well-known for its cottage industry. The state produces items made of bell-metal, cane, bamboo, brass and silk, which are indigenous to the state. The arts and crafts of the state as well form a major part of Assamese cultural heritage.

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