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Historical and Cultural Background
The cultural history of Assam is very old. It has been deeply influenced from the ancient Kamarupa kingdom to the Ahom dynasty. The 600-year rule of the Ahom dynasty had a deep impact on the culture of Assam. Great men like Srimanta Sankardev gave new dimensions to the art, music and literature here. The people of Assam take pride in their rich heritage that sets them apart. The ancient civilisation of Assam is mentioned in texts such as the Rigveda, Mahabharata and Kalika Purana, which reflect the spiritual and cultural depth of this place.
Ancient Influences: The ancient past of Assam is traced through sacred scriptures such as the Rigveda, Mahabharata and Kalika Purana, which point to the abiding spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. Kamarupa was a robust state famous for its spiritual ways, tantra and folk culture.
Ahom Legacy: Their 600-year reign in the Ahom dynasty made such a lasting impression on the culture here. Such landmarks as the Rang Ghar (Asia’s oldest amphitheatre) and Talatal Ghar are reminders of this glorious past. The Ahom kings established Assam as a powerful state by their language, traditions, and warfare practices.
Spiritual Pioneers: Assam’s cultural identity was enriched further by spiritual leaders such as Srimanta Sankardev. He preached Vaishnavism, which is still a vital part of Assamese society.
Traditional Attire and Textiles
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The traditional vastra of Assam is a symbol of pure grace, elegance and Culture of Assam. Mekhela Chador is the traditional attire of the women here, which is made of silk or muga silk. Muga, Pat, and Eri silk from Assam are famous all over the world for their high quality and finesse. Handloom weaving is a very old art form in the villages here. You will find handlooms in every village of Assam, where women weave clothes using traditional methods. The intricate designs and motifs on these clothes reflect the rich cultural symbols of Assam. The centuries-old weaving techniques of Assam are also included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.
Gamusa: A sign of respect and pride, this handloomed piece of cloth is a very significant symbol of Assamese culture. Every Assamese family owns a Gamusa, which is employed during greetings, rituals and ceremonies.
Mekhela Chador: The traditional Assamese women’s wear is crafted using rich silks such as Muga, Pat and Eri. These materials are renowned for their beauty and longevity. The elaborate patterns of the Mekhela Chador depict the prosperous culture and mythology of this region.
Muga Silk: Referred to as “Golden Silk”, this unique silk is available only in Assam and is part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. Muga silk is renowned for its lustre and strength, which gets still brighter with age.
Language and Literature
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The main language of Assam is Assamese, which belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family. Its literature is enriched by the contributions of great writers like Srimanta Sankardev, Madhavdev and Lakshminath Bezbaroa. Its folk literature and oral traditions are also very vibrant. Assam’s stories, folk songs and dohas are a symbol of the social life here. Assamese cinema and drama are also an important part of the Culture of Assam. Modern writers like Mamoni Raisom Goswami, Homen Borgohain and Arupa Kalita Patangia have made their important contribution to Assamese literature.
Classical Literature: The history of Assamese literature is started by Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev, who composed Borgeet (devotional songs) and Ankia Naat (religious dramas). These religious plays are performed even today in the Sattras (Vaishnav monasteries) of Assam.
Modern Contributions: Contemporary writers such as Mamoni Raisom Goswami, Homen Borgohain and Arupa Kalita Patangia have also taken Assamese literature to national and international standards.
Folk Traditions: Assam’s folk songs, folktales, myths and legends depict the strong cultural ties prevalent here. Burhi Aair Sadhu (Grandmother’s Tales) is still read by people.
Festivals and Celebrations
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Culture of Assam is full of colours and happiness are celebrated in Assam. The most important is Bihu, which is of three types – Rongali Bihu (spring), Bhogali Bihu (harvest) and Kongali Bihu (autumn). Rongali Bihu is the biggest and most energising festival, in which dance, music and traditional food have great importance. Bhogali Bihu celebrates the harvesting season, where people light bonfires and have a community feast. Kongali Bihu is a little more sober, reflecting farming hardships. Besides, Ali-Ai-Ligang, Jonbeel Mela, Durga Puja and Baishagu are also celebrated with great enthusiasm here. Besides, Ambubachi Mela, which is celebrated at Kamakhya Temple, is a great festival for spiritual seekers.
Bihu: The largest festival, marked in three manners – Rongali Bihu (spring), Bhogali Bihu (harvest) and Kongali Bihu (autumn). Colourful dance, music and tasty feasts are an integral part of this festival. The dynamic steps of the Bihu dance are reminiscent of the agricultural way of life here.
Ambubachi Mela: Attended at Kamakhya Temple, the festival honours fertility and divine womanhood. This Mela is well-known for tantric practices and spirituality.
Ali-Ai-Ligang: One of the main festivals of the Mishing people, where the spring season and the prosperity of agriculture are celebrated. Folk songs and traditional dance play an important part in this festival.
Art and Craft
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Assam is also famous for its traditional crafts which makes Culture of Assam more colourful. Bamboo and cane work is seen in every home here. Bell metal crafts, handmade jewellery and pottery showcase the rich craftsmanship here. Assamese artisans create intricate designs with their hands, a beautiful blend of old traditions and modern art. The Japi (traditional Assamese hat) and Xorai (metal offering tray) are symbols of the rich culture here. Bamboo crafting, pottery, wooden masks, and handwoven fabrics are symbols of the rich artistic heritage here.
Handicrafts: Bamboo and cane crafts, bell metal works and handicraft jewellery here are renowned globally.
Japi: The ceremonial conical hat is an extremely significant symbol of Assamese culture, utilised in dance performances as well as in ceremonial functions.
Xorai: A conventional metal tray, an emblem of hospitality and respect, utilised during religious and cultural ceremonies.
Music and Dance
Assam’s music and dance are an important part of the culture of Assam. Bihu dance is the most popular folk dance here, which can be seen in every festival. Energy, rhythm and community bonding are evident in this dance. Sattriya dance, developed by Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th century, is one of the classical dance forms of India. It has devotional themes and is performed in the Sattras (monasteries) here. Assamese folk songs like Borgeet, Ojapali and Tokari Geet are symbolic of the musical traditions here.
Bihu Dance: It is a fast-paced dance form danced at each Bihu festival, which rejoices in the merriment of the harvest time.
Sattriya Dance: Established by Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th century, it is among the Indian classical dance forms of the modern era.
Folk Music: Assamese folk songs such as Borgeet, Ojapali and Tokari Geet are renowned for devotional content and strong narration.
Cuisine of Assam
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The food of Assam also reflects the cultural diversity here. Assamese Thali, Pitha, Xaak Bhaji, bamboo shoot dishes and fish delicacies are famous dishes here. Assam’s food uses local herbs and natural ingredients. Dishes like fish tenga, masor tenga, khar and payokh are typical of the local food. Popular drinks include Apong (rice beer) and Laal Sah (red tea). Fermented and smoked foods are also important part in Culture of Assam.
Staple Foods: Pitha, Xaak Bhaji, bamboo shoot recipes and fish curries are favourite foods here at Masor Tenga.
Beverages: Apong (rice beer) and Laal Saah (red tea) are favourite drinks here.
Distinctive Taste: The foods here contain fewer spices but dense taste, which are prepared with fermented foods and fresh herbs.
Religious and Spiritual Practices
Many religious beliefs, such as Hinduism, Islam, and Vaishnavism, are found in Assam which makes Culture of Assam more diverse. Religious sites such as Kamakhya Temple one of the most popular Tourist places in Assam, Sivasagar, and Majuli are an important part of the local spiritual landscape. Majuli, situated on the Brahmaputra River, is the largest river island in the world, and the satras here are major centres of spiritual and cultural learning. Nature worship and animism are also part of the religious practices of many communities in Assam.
Kamakhya Temple: Among the most significant Shakti Peethas in India, visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Vaishnavism: Spread by Srimanta Sankardev, emphasising a simpler, community-orientated mode of worship.
Nature Worship: Animism is practised by most of the indigenous tribes, indicating a profound respect for nature and the environment.
The culture of Assam is a symbol of a vibrant and rich heritage. The people here are very passionate about their rituals, traditions and festivals. Even today the culture here is being coloured in its old colours along with modernity. All this makes Assam unique and special. If you want to understand the real essence of Assam, make the culture here a part of your experience.