Language/Assamese/Culture/Traditional-Customs
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Assam is a state located in Northeast India and is known for its diverse culture, festivals, and customs. Assam has a rich history and a unique identity that is different from the rest of India. Assamese culture has its roots in the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa that existed between the 4th and 12th centuries. In this lesson, we will explore the traditional customs that are an integral part of Assamese culture. We will also discuss the etiquette and gift-giving practices in Assam.
Etiquette
Assamese people are known for their hospitality and warmth towards guests. It is customary to show respect and gratitude to elders and people of authority. Some of the common etiquettes in Assamese culture include:
- Saying "Namaskar" or "Sadar Pranam" as a form of greeting to show respect
- Offering tea or betel nut to guests as a sign of hospitality
- Covering the head and removing footwear when entering a religious place or a person's house as a sign of respect
- Using the right hand for eating or giving and receiving things as the left hand is considered impure
Gift-Giving
Gift-giving in Assamese culture is an important practice to show gratitude, love, and respect. Gifts are usually exchanged during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. Some common gifts in Assam include:
- Gamusa: A handwoven cotton cloth that is used as a towel or headscarf
- Jaapi: A traditional hat made of bamboo and paper
- Xorai: A traditional offering tray made of bell metal used for the worship of the deities
When presenting a gift to someone, it is customary to offer it with both hands as a sign of respect. It is also considered polite to decline a gift at first and accept it only after being persuaded by the giver.
Traditional Customs
Assamese culture has a rich tradition of customs that are still practiced today. Here are some of the most common traditional customs:
Bihu Festival
Bihu is the most popular festival in Assam and is celebrated in three different forms - Rongali Bihu, Bhogali Bihu, and Kongali Bihu. Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu is the Assamese New Year and is celebrated in April. Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu is celebrated in January to mark the end of the harvest season. Kongali Bihu or Kati Bihu is celebrated in October to mark the sowing of seeds.
During Bihu, people wear traditional Assamese clothes and perform a traditional dance called Bihu dance. They also prepare traditional Assamese food like pitha, laru, and doi.
Holi Phagwah
Holi Phagwah is a spring festival celebrated in Assam and other parts of India. It is also known as Dol Jatra in Assam. During this festival, people smear each other with colorful powder and water. They also perform a traditional dance called Holi dance.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a major festival celebrated in Assam and other parts of India. It is a ten-day festival that marks the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. During Durga Puja, people worship the goddess and perform traditional dances like Dhunachi dance and Dhulia dance.
Meji Puja
Meji Puja is a traditional custom performed during Bhogali Bihu. It involves building a temporary structure called Meji using bamboo and haystack. On the night before Magh Bihu, people light a fire in the Meji and offer prayers to the gods for a good harvest season.
Namghar
Namghar is a traditional prayer hall found in Assamese villages. It serves as a community center for religious and cultural activities. People gather in the Namghar to offer prayers, perform traditional dances, and participate in community activities.
Jeng Bihu
Jeng Bihu is a traditional custom performed during Rongali Bihu. It involves lighting a lamp and keeping it burning throughout the night. The lamp represents prosperity and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household.
Overall, traditional customs are an integral part of Assamese culture and are maintained with great pride and respect by the people of Assam. Understanding and appreciating these customs can help outsiders better understand the unique and diverse culture of Assam.
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have discussed traditional customs, etiquette, and gift-giving practices in Assamese culture. We have also explored some of the major festivals celebrated in Assam and the traditional customs associated with them. By understanding and appreciating these customs, we can better appreciate the rich and diverse culture of Assam.
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ASSAMESE CULTURE AND TRADITION | BRIEF INTRODUCTION ...
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