Ah-Assam....reminds me of the crystal clear river water, the smell of freshly plucked tea leaves, and the magical voice of the keteki bird, which together defines my home. Assam is a paradise in the North-east corner of India. Due to some capitalist ideology, Assam reminds the others as a place where you are not safe. And that is completely not true.
Assam is a land of diversified culture spanning through both sides of the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra. Assam is also the settling ground for numerous tribes who have travelled from Mongolia, Thailand and even Myanmar. The people of Assam are infact the fusion of various racial stocks who have migrated down the ages. Assam has the reputation for its warmth and hospitality.
Rice is the staple food of Assam. Coinciding with the cultivation of the crop, Bihu, the agricultural festival is celebrated by all Assamese. As the cultivation has three stages, therefore we celebrate three kinds of Bihu, namely- Bohag Bihu- April (at the time of cultivation), Kati Bihu- October (in between to pray for a good harvest), Magh Bihu- January (at the time of harvesting). Bohag Bihu is also the Assamese New Year and it is the festival of merriment. It marks the arrival of spring, during which Assam regains back its lush green. Beside this all the major Hindu festivals are celebrated. The Assamese Muslims and Christians celebrate their respective festivals. It is beautiful to watch all the religion in my home ground celebrate and live in harmony together.
The celebration does not end there. Assam also caters to various, all round the year, festivals of different tribals. Since my mom belongs to the Ahom race, I would like to enlighten you about the Tai-Ahom tribe. The Tai Ahoms are the descendant of the mighty Ahom kingdom. The Ahom king, Chaolung Sukapha, migrated from Thailand in the medieval period and established the Ahom kingdom, which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years. Tai Ahoms are proud of their heritage and follow Assamese culture. Their original language, Tai, is now extinct, and they speak Assamese. One of their greatest achievements was defeating the Mughal forces, when they tried to conquer Assam.
Assam has a rich culture of several arts and crafts, and its natural beauty is reflected in them.
Assamese cultural symbol:
- Xorai- Traditionally they are made of bell metal although nowadays they are made from brass or silver. In simplistic terms it is a tray with a stand and a cover on the top, see the picture. It is used as an offering infront of the altar, infront of traditional functions or even during felicitating someone and welcoming guest.
- Gamosa- This is a material of great significance for the Assamese people. It is made of cotton and for special occasions they are made from Pat silk, see the picture.
- Jaapi- This is a special symbol representing Assam. Well traditional bamboo woven jaapi is used by farmers to protect them from sun and the rain. The decorated jaapi’s signifies honour and felicitated to people for their excellence.
- Mekhela Chador- This is a traditional dress worn by Assamese women. It is a two piece cloth draped around the body like a saree. The Assam silk is known wide world, namely the golden Muga, white Pat and Eri.
- Namghors- They are places of worship and for community gatherings which are dearer to an Assamese.
