Language/Assamese/Culture/Major-Festivals
Introduction
Assam, an Indian state situated in the northeastern part of the country, is famous for its diverse cultural traditions and unique festivals. The people of Assam celebrate many festivals throughout the year with great enthusiasm and fervor. Assam is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to various communities and tribes, each with its own unique set of customs, beliefs, and practices.
In this lesson, we will explore the major festivals of Assam, their cultural significance, and how they are celebrated. We will also delve into the traditional customs and practices associated with these festivals.
Bihu Festival
Bihu is the most important festival of Assam, celebrated by the Assamese people with great joy and enthusiasm. It is a three-day festival that marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year, which falls in mid-April.
There are three Bihu festivals – Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Rongali Bihu is the most popular and is celebrated with great zeal all over the state. It falls in mid-April, during the season of spring, when the fields are full of lush green crops.
During Rongali Bihu, people wear traditional clothes, perform Bihu dance, and sing Bihu songs. They also prepare traditional Assamese dishes such as pitha, laru, and jolpan. The festival is marked by various competitions like buffalo fights, cockfights, and elephant races.
Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, is celebrated in mid-October, during the autumn season. It is a sober Bihu and is marked by the lighting of lamps in the fields and households. People pray for a good harvest, as this is the time when the crops start to mature.
Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is celebrated in mid-January, during the harvest season. It is a feasting festival and is marked by the preparation of traditional Assamese dishes, such as pitha, laru, and doi-chira. People also build a bonfire and offer prayers to the god of fire.
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Rongali Bihu | rɒŋɡɒli bɪhu | Rongali Bihu |
| Kongali Bihu | kɒŋɡɒli bɪhu | Kongali Bihu |
| Bhogali Bihu | bɒɡɒli bɪhu | Bhogali Bihu |
Ambubachi Mela
Ambubachi Mela is a unique festival that takes place in Guwahati, the capital of Assam. It is held in the Kamakhya Temple, which is one of the most revered shrines of the Hindus. The festival celebrates the menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya and is held in mid-June.
During the four-day festival, the temple remains closed, and devotees from all over the country come to take part in the celebrations. The main ritual of the festival is the 'prasad' distribution, where the devotees are given a piece of cloth that has been used to soak the menstrual blood of the goddess. It is considered to be a sacred item and is believed to have healing powers.
The festival is also marked by various cultural events, with people dressed in traditional attire, performing dance and music. It is a significant event in the Assamese culture and showcases the unique blend of various traditions and beliefs.
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ambubachi Mela | æmbuːbætʃi mɛlɑ | Ambubachi Mela |
Baishagu Festival
Baishagu Festival is a spring festival that is celebrated by the Bodos, a prominent tribal group of Assam. It is held in mid-April and is marked by various rituals and ceremonies that highlight the culture and traditions of the Bodos.
During the festival, people wear traditional clothes, perform the Bagurumba dance, and sing Bodo songs. The festival is also marked by the construction of a temporary temple made of bamboo and thatch, called 'Bwisagu Ghar'.
The festival is significant in the Bodo community, as it celebrates the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year. It is a time for socializing, feasting, and renewing relationships. The festival also highlights the importance of nature and the need to preserve it.
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Baishagu Festival | baɪʃæɡu fɛstɪvəl | Baishagu Festival |
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over the country. In Assam, the festival is celebrated with traditional fervor and has a unique flavor that is particular to the region.
During the five-day festival, people worship the goddess Durga, who represents the feminine energy and power. The festival is marked by various rituals and ceremonies, including the installation of the idol of the goddess, performing the aarti, and offering prayers and offerings.
The festival is significant in the Assamese culture, as it celebrates the victory of good over evil and highlights the importance of feminine energy and power. It is also a time for socializing and feasting, with people preparing traditional Assamese dishes like 'akhoy', 'pitha', and 'laru'.
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Durga Puja | dʊrɡa pʊdʒa | Durga Puja |
Bohag Bihu
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is one of the most popular festivals of Assam, celebrated in mid-April. It is a three-day festival that marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
During the festival, people wear traditional clothes, perform the Bihu dance, and sing Bihu songs. The festival is marked by various cultural events, with competitions like buffalo fights, cockfights, and elephant races being held.
The festival is significant in the Assamese culture, as it celebrates the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year. It is a time for socializing, feasting, and renewing relationships. The festival also highlights the importance of agriculture and the need to preserve nature.
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bohag Bihu | bɒhaɡ bɪhu | Bohag Bihu |
Jonbeel Mela
Jonbeel Mela is a unique festival that takes place in Morigaon district of Assam. It is an annual fair that is held in mid-January, during the time of Magh Bihu.
The festival is marked by various cultural events, including folk dances, music, and drama performances. It is also a time for socializing and feasting, with people preparing traditional Assamese dishes like 'pitha', 'laru', and 'doi-chira'.
The festival is significant in the Assamese culture, as it highlights the importance of harmony and unity among various communities and tribes. It also showcases the unique blend of various cultures and traditions and highlights the richness and diversity of the Assamese culture.
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jonbeel Mela | dʒɒnbiːl mɛlɑ | Jonbeel Mela |
Conclusion
Assam is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, each with its unique set of festivals and rituals. The festivals celebrated in Assam reflect the rich heritage of the state and are a time of joy, merriment, and socializing. The festivals also highlight the importance of nature, agriculture, and the need to preserve and cherish our cultural traditions.
We hope this lesson has provided you with insights into the major festivals of Assam, their cultural significance, and how they are celebrated. In the next lesson, we will delve into the traditional customs and practices associated with these festivals.