One of the most beautiful states of India, Assam is the gateway to the enchanting and unexploited northeastern part of the country. With the majestic Brahmaputra river, magnificent hills and its rich flora and fauna, the state is a tourist paradise. The vibrant life style, the all-smile people, presence of diverse tribes and cultures, are the main points of the wonderful Assam Society. The history of Assam dates back to the time of the Aryans and has got its mention in the epics, the Tantric, Vedic and Buddhist Literature. The land has been ruled my great rulers of many dynasties. The people of the state are friendly and they belong to different tribes and communities.
Several religions are practiced in the state, proving its secular outlook. Some of the religions that are followed in the state are:
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Christianity
- Islam
- Vaishnavasim
Visitors from outside the state like to collect some mementos while they return back to home. While shopping in Assam, the tourists mainly prefer to buy the arts and crafts products and the Assam tea, which is known world wide for its exotic flavor. The articles that are mostly bought by the tourists visiting Assam are the hand made items of craft. The Assamese artisans are known for their skills in art and craft for a long time. The craftsmen make articles from cane and bamboo and the artisans are known for their terracotta works.
Food
Food of Assam, as of any other place, is largely influenced by its climate, soil and vegetation. This north-eastern state of India is mainly of agrarian nature. Rice is the staple diet and the common people of Assam eat it everyday. Along with rice, fish curry is very common. Other dishes include those made of lentils, vegetables, meat and some sweet dishes. The people of Assam prefer to eat non - spicy foods. Spices like cumin, coriander, mustard, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, panch foran, cardamom and some ingredients that are found in Assam only are generally used.
Tribe
The population of Assam largely comprised of numerous Assam Tribes with their varied customs and beliefs. Starting from the plains to the hilly areas, the land of Assam is inhabited by different tribes. Some of the prominent tribes of Assam are:
- Bodo
- Singpho
- Santhal
- Dimasa people
- Karbi
- Khamti
- Khamyang
- Mishing
- Nishi
- Phake
- Rabha
Keeping in sync with the picturesque landscapes and colorful customs, the Assam People are a perfect example of unity in diversity. Consisting mostly of numerous tribes, the people of Assam practice different religions and customs. There are people from all parts of the country residing in the state with a prominence of Bengali speaking community and the Nepalis.
The Bodos are the most prominent mongoloid tribe of the state. Some sections of the Bodos have also demanded a separate state for themselves – the Bodoland, which has resulted in insurgency in the state. The Santhals are one of the oldest tribes of east India. They are good soldiers and proud of their race. The Phake or the Phakial tribes are said to be having their origins in Thailand.
Music
Assam Music is derived from the ancient folklores of the tribal communities that inhabit various corners of the state from a long time. Bihugeet is one of the oldest forms of Assamese music which is sung by people during the famous festival of Bihu. Bharigaan, Bargeet, Ojapali and Jhumur are some other music variations of Assam.
Some of the popular forms of Assam Music that are all-pervasive in the state are:
- Folk Music
- Regional Folk Music
- Ethnic
- Bihugeet
- Allied Styles
- Bhakti Music
There are various styles of Assam Dance. The most famous among these dance forms of Assam is the Bihu dance. It is a folk genre and is performed during the spring festival of Bihu. Apart from the Bihu there are many other folk and devotional dance forms in the state. Most of the folk dances of Assam are performed by both men and women. They are accompanied by lively music.
The various forms of Assam Dance:
- Bihu
- Satriya Nritya
- Jumur Dance
- Barpeta's bhortal Nritya
- Folk
The Culture of Assam is often referred to as hybrid culture. It has developed by the gradual assimilation of cultures and traditions of various ethno-cultural groups. Assamese culture is closely associated with some of the major elements like festivals, dance, music, paintings and traditional crafts. Assam is a treasure trove of cultural potpourri. Assam art is renowned all across the country for its skilled craftsmanship and variety and techniques. Be it the exquisite traditional Muga and Vaishavite silks or the bamboo and cane artifacts, Assam is the master of it all.
Craft
Representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of Assam, the craft of Assam portrays the artistic mastery of the local craftsmen. The beautiful artifacts of the state, has captured the imagination of the world. Assam is known all over the world for its exclusive craft work that draws the attention of every individual. The traditional knowledge of creating beautiful pieces of art and craft work has triggered down to the modern era. The exclusive pieces of art and craft work of Assam are equipped with excellent infrastructural facilities and support from the state government.
Last Updated on 01/29/2013
