Culture, Traditions, and Festivals in Assam

Assam is not only known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife but also for its rich cultural heritage. From the majestic Kaziranga National Park, home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, to the sprawling tea gardens, Assam is a treasure trove of natural beauty. But beyond its scenic splendour lies the culture and tradition in Assam, steeped in history, folklore, festivals, and unique culinary traditions.

Summit Green Lake Tea Resort, a Club Mahindra associate resort located near Kaziranga, offers the perfect opportunity to explore Assam’s culture and traditions. This resort in Assam provides a top-notch stay amidst the serenity of tea estates. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into Assam’s history, folklore, cuisine, customs, and festivals, highlighting the vibrant traditions in Assam that make it a cultural gem.

Assam’s Historical Significance

Assam's history, deeply shaped by various dynasties and rulers, is most significantly influenced by the Ahom dynasty, which reigned for nearly 600 years from the 13th century. Originating from present-day Myanmar, the Ahoms introduced unique administrative practices, architectural styles, and linguistic influences, leaving a profound impact on Assam's culture. 

Following the Ahom dynasty's decline, British colonial rule introduced new administrative systems and ignited a robust resistance movement, highlighting figures like Gopinath Bordoloi and Kushal Konwar in the fight for India’s independence. 

Today, Assam’s culture remains a vibrant fusion of ancient traditions and modernity, reflecting its rich history and diverse influences.

Famous Assamese Folklore and Traditions

Assamese folklore forms an integral part of the heritage of Assam’s culture, with stories passed down through generations that still hold significance today. Each tale offers a glimpse into Assam’s belief systems, values, and connections with nature and the divine.

• The Story of Behula and Lakhindar: This tragic love story is one of Assam’s most cherished folk tales. Lakhindar, the prince, was cursed to die on his wedding night, and despite all efforts, the curse came true. His devoted wife, Behula, embarks on a perilous journey to the heavens to bring him back to life, showcasing themes of loyalty, love, and resilience. This tale is often retold during Assam’s cultural gatherings and theatrical performances.
• The Legend of Usha and Aniruddha: In this folklore, Usha, the daughter of King Banasura, dreams of a handsome prince named Aniruddha, the grandson of Lord Krishna. With the help of her friend Chitralekha, Usha magically brings Aniruddha to her palace. When her father learns about it, a fierce battle ensues between Lord Krishna and Banasura. This legend is intertwined with Assamese mythology and is celebrated in art, music, and storytelling.
• Kamrup Kamakhya Legend: The Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, one of the most revered sites in Assam, has a rich mythology associated with it. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, representing fertility and power. It is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell. The temple's annual Ambubachi Mela draws thousands of devotees and is a major part of the culture of Assam.
• Tejimola: A lesser-known but heart-touching tale, Tejimola is the story of a girl who is abused and ultimately killed by her wicked stepmother. However, Tejimola is reincarnated in various forms, such as a lotus and a bird, symbolising rebirth and the triumph of innocence. This folklore is a reminder of compassion and justice and is often narrated in schools and homes.

Customs and Traditions in Assam

The customs and traditions of Assam are deeply connected to the region’s agrarian lifestyle, nature worship, and the warm hospitality of its people. Travellers visiting Assam should be mindful of the following customs to fully appreciate and respect the local culture:

• Hospitality (Atithi Devo Bhava): The culture of Assam is known for its hospitality. Guests are often greeted with a gamosa, a traditional handwoven cloth that symbolizes respect and honour. It’s common practice to offer tea to visitors, reflecting Assam’s status as one of the world’s largest tea producers. When visiting someone’s home, you may also be offered traditional snacks like Pitha or sweets.
• Nature Worship and Respect for the Environment: Assam’s culture is closely tied to nature, with many customs and rituals dedicated to the worship of the Brahmaputra River, agricultural cycles, and various animals. Festivals like Kati Bihu and Ambubachi Mela emphasize nature’s role in everyday life. Visitors should be mindful of the environment, particularly when visiting natural sites like Kaziranga National Park or riverbanks.
• Assam’s Traditional Dress: Assamese people take great pride in their traditional attire. Women typically wear a Mekhela Chador, a two-piece garment made from silk or cotton, while men wear a Dhoti along with a gamosa. These traditional dresses of Assam are often worn during festivals, religious events, and formal occasions. Travellers can purchase Mekhela Chadors as souvenirs or try wearing one for a cultural experience.
• Tea Culture: Tea is central to Assamese life, both economically and socially. A visit to Assam is incomplete without a tour of its tea estates. Tea-drinking rituals, particularly the traditional Assam tea, reflect the cultural significance of this beverage. Travelers can visit tea plantations, partake in tea-tasting sessions, and even witness the tea-picking process firsthand.
• Marriage Customs: Assamese weddings are a grand affair, deeply rooted in traditional customs. One notable practice is the Biya Naam, a series of traditional songs sung by women to bless the bride and groom. The ceremonial traditions of Assam weddings are elaborate, often lasting several days, with intricate rituals that highlight the importance of family and community bonds.

Prominent Festivals Celebrated in Assam

Assam celebrates a multitude of festivals throughout the year, each reflecting the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Here are some of the most prominent festivals in Assam:

Bohag Bihu (April):

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is celebrated in mid-April to mark the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. The celebration of this festival showcases the culture of Assam. Bohag Bihu is a time for renewal, where homes are cleaned, new clothes are worn, and the community comes together to celebrate with feasts, traditional music, and the famous Bihu dance. According to the traditions of Assam, the festival also holds deep agricultural significance, with prayers being offered for a bountiful harvest in the upcoming year.

Magh Bihu (January):

Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is celebrated in January after the annual harvest. The festival is synonymous with feasting and bonfires, known as Meji. According to the traditions of Assam, on the night before Magh Bihu, families gather to build a community Meji, and traditional food items like Pitha, laru (sweet balls made of coconut or sesame), and fish dishes are prepared. The festival symbolizes the abundance brought by the harvest and is a time for community bonding.

Ambubachi Mela (June):

Ambubachi Mela is a significant religious festival held annually at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Celebrated in June, this festival marks the annual menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya, who is worshipped as the goddess of fertility. Thousands of devotees and sadhus from across the country gather at the temple for prayers and rituals. According to the traditions of Assam, the temple remains closed for three days, during which it is believed that the goddess undergoes her natural cycle. The reopening of the temple is a grand event marked by rituals and celebrations.

Jonbeel Mela (January):

Jonbeel Mela is a unique fair held in January, where the age-old practice of barter trade takes centre stage. The fair is organized near Jagiroad, and communities from the hills and plains come together to exchange goods without the use of money. This festival reflects Assam’s ancient economic customs and is a fascinating event for travellers interested in experiencing Assam’s traditional trading practices.

Durga Puja (September-October):

Although Durga Puja is primarily associated with Bengal, it is celebrated with equal fervour in Assam, especially in cities like Guwahati. The festival honours the goddess Durga and includes elaborate rituals unique to the culture and traditions of Assam as well as community feasts. Idols of Durga are beautifully crafted and displayed at pandals (temporary stages), and the festival culminates with the immersion of these idols in rivers or lakes.

Assamese Cuisine

Assamese cuisine is simple yet packed with unique flavours that reflect the state’s geographical diversity, with its fertile river valleys, hills, and proximity to neighbouring cultures like Bengal and the rest of Northeast India. Assamese food heavily relies on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including fish, rice, and vegetables, along with a distinct use of fermentation and alkaline cooking methods.

Here are some must-try Assamese dishes:

Khar:

Khar is Assam’s traditional dish that represents the soul of Assamese cuisine. It is prepared using raw papaya, pulses, and filtered alkaline water, usually derived from dried banana peel. The dish is Savory and light, often served as a starter in traditional Assamese meals. Khar stands out because of its unique preparation method and its balance of flavours.

Duck Meat Curry:

Duck meat is a delicacy in Assam, especially cooked with ash gourd or sesame seeds. This rich and flavourful curry is usually reserved for special occasions and family gatherings. The blend of spices and slow-cooking technique creates a deep, hearty flavour, making it a must-try for non-vegetarian food lovers.

Pitha:

Pitha is a rice-based snack or dessert, depending on the filling. It’s usually made during festive occasions, especially during Bihu. The most popular types are Til Pitha (stuffed with sesame seeds and jaggery) and Narikol Pitha (stuffed with coconut). Pithas symbolize Assamese hospitality and are made with love and care, often served to guests during festivals.

Masor Tenga:

Assam’s traditional fish curry is light and sour. Masor Tenga is a staple in Assamese households, especially during the hot and humid seasons. The sourness comes from the use of tomatoes, lemon, or even fermented bamboo shoots. It’s a simple yet refreshing dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Fish Tenka: This is a fermented fish curry popular in certain parts of Assam. Fermentation is a key culinary practice in Assamese cuisine, and Fish Tenka uses fermented fish to create a tangy, pungent dish. This curry is often enjoyed with leafy greens and spices, offering a bold and unique flavour profile.

Bora Saul: A type of sticky rice that is grown in Assam, Bora Saul is often eaten with jaggery or milk. It is a comforting dish commonly enjoyed during breakfast or festive occasions. The sticky texture and mild flavour make it a versatile food that pairs well with both sweet and savoury accompaniments.

You can dive into the traditional Assamese culinary delights at Summit Green Lake Tea Resort, a Club Mahindra associate resort located near Kaziranga. 

Assamese Dance and Music

The identity of the culture and traditions of Assam is deeply rooted in its traditional dance forms and music. These art forms reflect the region’s history, mythology, and connection to nature.

Traditional Dance Forms of Assam

• Bihu Dance: The most iconic of all Assamese dances, Bihu Dance, is performed during the Bohag Bihu festival. It is a lively and energetic dance characterized by fast-paced movements, joyous expressions, and rhythmic steps. Both men and women participate in this dance, accompanied by traditional instruments like the dhol (drum), pepa (buffalo horn), and gogona (reed instrument).
• Sattriya: This is one of India’s eight classical dance forms, and it originated in the monasteries (Sattras) of Assam. Sattriya was introduced by the saint scholar Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th century and is performed as a form of devotion in the Vaishnavite tradition. The dance narrates stories from Hindu mythology with graceful movements and expressions. Sattriya is known for its spiritual depth and is performed in temples as part of religious rituals.
• Ojapali: Ojapali is a unique blend of dance, music, and storytelling. The performers act as both narrators and dancers, telling stories from epics like the Mahabharata or local Assamese legends. The dance is accompanied by the khol (a traditional drum) and cymbals, and the performers use dramatic expressions and gestures to bring the stories to life.
• Jhumur Dance: This folk dance is performed by the tea garden workers, primarily from the Adivasi community. Jhumur Dance is rhythmic and joyous, with dancers moving in a circular formation. The dance is usually accompanied by folk songs sung in local dialects, reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the tea garden communities.

Traditional Music Forms of Assam

• Borgeet: Composed by the 15th-century saint Srimanta Sankardev and his disciple Madhabdev, Borgeet is a devotional song sung in the monasteries of Assam. These songs are spiritual in nature and are accompanied by traditional instruments like the khol and taal (cymbals). Borgeet is an essential part of the tradition of Assam’s classical music.
• Zikir: Zikir is a form of devotional music introduced by the Muslim community in Assam. It blends Sufi philosophy with local Assamese traditions, creating a unique musical form that emphasizes harmony, peace, and devotion. Zikir songs are often sung in groups during religious or community events.
• Tokari Geet: Played using the Tokari, a traditional stringed instrument, Tokari Geet is a folk music form that focuses on moral and philosophical themes. The lyrics often explore human virtues, cultures and traditions of Assam, religious stories, or reflections on life.

Art in Assam

Assam is a treasure trove of artistic traditions that reflect its deep-rooted culture, spiritual heritage, and connection to nature. Assam’s art forms include everything from intricate textiles to masterful pottery, each representing the rich history and craftsmanship passed down through generations. Below are some of the most significant art forms that define the legacy of Art in Assam:

1. Textile Art and Weaving

Muga Silk: Assam is famous for its muga silk. It is a rare and luxurious fabric known for its natural golden sheen. This silk is exclusive to Assam and is used to make traditional garments like the Mekhela Chador.

Eri Silk (Ahimsa Silk): Eri silk is softer and warmer than Muga and is produced through a non-violent process, making it eco-friendly. It’s primarily used for making shawls and blankets.

Mekhela Chador: This traditional Assamese garment women wear is handwoven with intricate motifs. It’s a symbol of Assamese identity, showcasing the artistic skill of local weavers.

2. Terracotta and Pottery Art

Terracotta: Assam’s terracotta art is renowned, particularly the Asharikandi Terracotta from Dhubri district, which features unique mother-and-child figurines. These are used in religious ceremonies and home décor.

Pottery: Assam’s pottery is often hand-moulded without the use of a wheel, especially in rural areas. It’s used for making earthenware items like cooking pots and storage containers, reflecting the state's close ties to nature and the land.

3. Cane and Bamboo Craft

Bamboo Furniture: beautiful and sustainable bamboo furniture, such as chairs, tables, and baskets, is the true testimony to the art of Assam. These items are known for their durability and lightness.

Jaapi: The Jaapi, a traditional sunshade hat made from bamboo and palm leaves, is an iconic symbol of Assamese culture. Initially used by farmers, it is now also seen in Assam’s cultural ceremonies and as a decorative item.

4. Masks and Mask-Making

Sattriya Masks: In Majuli, Assam's river island, masks are created for use in Bhaona, a religious dance-drama. These masks depict mythological characters and are made from bamboo, cloth, and natural dyes.

Cultural Importance: These masks are integral to the Sattriya culture, representing Assam’s connection to its spiritual and religious heritage.

5. Painting and Manuscript Art

Sanchi Manuscripts: Illuminated manuscripts created during the Ahom period contain religious texts and were beautifully illustrated with natural pigments derived from plants and minerals, which are an important part of the culture and traditions of Assam.

Bark Paintings: Monks from the Vaishnavite Sattras produce xasi pat paintings depicting religious and mythological stories on tree bark.

6. Bell Metal Craft

Xorai and Bota: Assam’s bell metal craft is most famous for producing the Xorai (an offering tray) and Bota (a ceremonial bowl), which are used in religious ceremonies and as decorative items.

Religious Artifacts: Assamese artists create temple bells, ritual lamps, and religious statues from bell metal, which are essential to Assam’s spiritual practices.

Where to stay in Assam

Staying at Summit Green Lake Tea Resort allows travellers to Experience Assam’s Rich Culture, Festivals, and Traditions. This resort in Assam, located near Kaziranga National Park, is more than just a place to relax; it’s a gateway to experiencing the cultural soul of Assam. Surrounded by lush tea gardens, the resort offers guests a blend of luxury and cultural immersion. From guided tours of the local tea estates to cultural evenings showcasing Assamese dance and music, the resort provides a comprehensive cultural experience.

Guests can also participate in traditional activities like tea tasting, village tours, and agricultural festivals. The resort works closely with local artisans and performers to ensure visitors get an authentic glimpse into Assamese life. Whether it’s during the vibrant Bihu festival or through intimate cultural evenings, Summit Green Lake Tea Resort ensures that your stay is rich with experiences that reflect Assam’s traditions.

Club Mahindra Membership Can Enhance Cultural Travel Experiences in Assam and Beyond

Club Mahindra membership offers more than just wonderful stays—it’s a gateway to cultural discovery across India. In Assam, Club Mahindra members can enjoy exclusive access to cultural events at Summit Green Lake Tea Resort, along with personalized itineraries that highlight the best of the region’s festivals, cuisine, and traditions.

The Club Mahindra membership provides flexibility to explore different cultural hubs across India, from Rajasthan to Kerala, ensuring that you experience India’s diversity in all its forms. With Club Mahindra, your vacations are not just about relaxation but about immersing yourself in local traditions, food, and art forms.

Conclusion

Assam’s rich culture, traditions, and festivals offer an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you’re exploring the region’s folklore, tasting its unique cuisine, or dancing to the beats of the Bihu, Assam’s cultural heritage is sure to captivate you. The Summit Green Lake Tea Resort in Kaziranga offers the perfect base to explore this vibrant state, ensuring an immersive journey into Assam’s soul. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a cultural adventure that you’ll cherish forever.