Cultural Importance of Assam
The Assam state is situated in the north-eastern part of India is the second largest north-eastern state, is considered as the land of diverse cultures. The state is known for its diverse festivals, cuisines, traditional arts and crafts, folk music-dances, traditional jewelry, traditional attire, and so on which showcase Assam states unique customs, traditions and rich culture. Interestingly, the people of Assam is known as “Asomiya”, the state language of Assam. As the state Assam is blessed with cultural heritage, thus Assam is considered as “the land of diverse culture and Festivals”.
However, in this blog we will explore the cultural importance of Assam which focuses on offering an inclusive cultural experience to visitors and helps to know the state Assam and its rich cultural heritage. Lets embark on the journey to explore the cultural importance of Assam:
1. History of Assam:
In 1950, the Assam became a constituent state of India. The state, Assam is marked by its diverse cultures, festivals, cuisines and varied picturesque landscapes. In the Ancient period, Assam was known as “Pragjyotishpura” or “Kamrupa”.
2. Festivals of Assam: Cultural Importance of Assam
The state Assam is known for its diverse festivals,are multi-day events, which showcase states unique customs, traditions and rich culture. Here’s we have curated a list of famous festivals in Assam, which showcase diverse and unique customs, traditions and culture.
- Bihu
Bihu is the cultural ethnic festival unique to the North-eastern state of Assam. There are three types of bihu namely Rongali bihu, Bhogali Bihu and Kati Bihu. Bihu marks the start of Assamese new year and agricultural season. People dance, sing ,wearing traditional attire, make laru-pithas and feast together. Bihu is the festival of renewal, community bonding and gratitude towards cultural heritage.
- Ambubachi Mela
The Ambubachi mela is the yearly mela celebrated in Kamakhya temple located at Guwahati city, in Assam, deliberated as the biggest convention of north-eastern India. It is the celebration of devotion and devine feminine.
- Jonbill Mela
The jonbill mela is a three day long annual fair, where the age old barter system is still alive. The jonbill mela is organized by Tiwa community and conducted during the weekend of Magh bihu. This fair is considered as one and only fair in India, where barter system is still alive.
3. Traditional Attire of Assam:
The traditional attire of Assam is- Mekhela Chaor for women and Dhoti and gamosa for men.
The mekhela chador is typically worn by the women of Assm, of all ages. The mekhela chador is consists of two pieces of cloth. The one is called mekhela which is draped downwards from the waist and other one is called chador which is worn as shawl with triangular folds.
The dhoti and gamosa are said to be the traditional attire of Assamese men. The dhoti is covered the lower half of the body while gamosa is a rectangular shape white color red embroidered wipe cloth. The gamosa is considered as an honorary piece of cloth.
4. Traditional cuisine of Assam:
Assamese Cuisine is all about the region’s rich cultural heritage. It boasts a culinary heritage that has been passed from generations to generations. Assamese cuisine takes a great pride in its profound roots. The cuisine incorporates bamboo shoots, meat, pork, fish in innumerable preparations. From mouth-watering Assamese Thalis to delightful pork, fish dishes. The foods are typically complemented by traditional accompaniments like khaar, O’tenga, pitika, satni and more.
5. Traditional musical instruments of Assam:
There are several traditional musical instruments that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam. These are:
- Dhol: A type of drum, characterized by its loud beats.
- Pepa: A traditional flute made from buffalo horn.
- Gogona: A bamboo jew’s harp characterized by its twangy sound.
- Khol: A traditional drum used in Assamese devotional music and so on.
6. Traditional symbols of Assam:
The traditional symbol of a state refers to an emblem or icon that represents or holds the historical, cultural or geographical importance for a specific region. However, the various traditional symbol of Assam are:
- Xorai: It is a bell metal product, used as an offering tray to peoples.
- Gamucha: It is considered as an honorary piece of cloth which is used for felicitation.
- Jaapi: It is a conical traditional hat of Assam, made of bamboo and a type of large palm leaf named “Tokoupaat”.
- National symbol of Assam/State animal: One-horned Rhinoceros is the state symbol of Assam.
- State flower of Assam: Foxtai Orchid (Kopu Phul in Assamese).
- State Tree of Assam: Hollong tree.
- State bird of Assam: white-winged wood duck (Deo hah in Assamese)
- State song of Assam: O mur apunar Desh. It is also traditional song of Assam.
- State motto of Assam: Hail mother of Assam (Joy Aai Axom)