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Exploring the tribal diversity of Assam
India's northeast has a diverse cultural heritage. I had the incredible opportunity to live in Assam for a year as part of my job. During that time, I fell in love with the region's pristine natural beauty and the unique culture of its people.
Assam is considered the eldest of seven sisters. It is a popular tourist destination which sees thousands of people every year. It's also a gateway to the Indian peninsula, with international borders shared with Bhutan and Bangladesh. But what makes Assam truly special are the tribes that call it home.
Mostly known for its tea, Assam is home to one-horned Indian rhinoceros, along with various species of Asiatic birds. It also provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant.
Assam is also home to various tribes. The ancient cultures and traditions still thrive among the tribal people. As I explored Assam, I was struck by the unique traditions, rituals, and customs of each tribe I encountered. The tribes of Assam each have their own distinct culture, beliefs, and traditions. I was fortunate to witness significant festivals and learn about their daily lives.
I was fascinated to discover the confluence of many cultures and ethnicities whose origins can be traced to Indo-Burmese, Tibetan, Aryan, and Indo-Iranian races. Rich with ethnic heterogeneity, Assam has many tribes. These tribes have unique traditions, rituals, and customs.
For those who share my fascination with anthropology and ethnography or simply enjoy experiencing the diversity of different cultures, I invite you to join me on my journey of discovery through the various tribes of Assam. Here is my journey of meeting the various tribes of Assam.
My journey of discovery through the tribes of Assam began with the Boros, the largest ethnolinguistic tribe in Assam. The Boros practice Bathouism, an animistic religion, and believe that Obongaloree, the supreme god, protects the universe. I arrived in Assam in April, just in time for the Bwisagu festival. This harvest festival marks Bishuba Sankranti and is popular for its traditional dance Bagurumba. Women dressed in colourful attires performed the smooth, fluid dance on the beats of local instruments like siphung, serja, khawang, and kham. I was amazed to see the beauty of this dance form and the energy of the performers.
During my stay with the Boros, I learned about their daily lives. They engage in agriculture and fishing to earn their livelihood. The Boros are known for their unique weaving skills. I had the opportunity to learn about their weaving techniques and even tried my hand at weaving.
I continued my journey to meet the Kachari tribe of Assam. The Sonowal Kacharis follow Hinduism and have their local shamans or priests. It was a great pleasure for me to attend the Bihu festival, which is not only a popular dance form in Assam but also an integral part of the Kachari tribe's culture. The Sonowal Kacharis celebrate all four Bihus every year. Magh Bihu, held between January 13 and January 15, was just around the corner, and I was fortunate enough to witness the Rongali Bihu performance in Nagaon, a visual treat.
As I stayed with the Kacharis, I was fascinated to learn about their traditional occupation of extracting gold from river beds. I visited the nearby river and learned about their techniques of gold extraction. The Kacharis' expertise and knowledge in this field were astounding. I also tried my hand at it and was able to extract a small amount of gold.
The Karbis are tribal people of Tibeto-Burmese ancestry. They engage in slash-and-burn cultivation and practice animism. During my stay with the Karbis, I was able to witness the Rongker festival, which is observed in January or February. Twelve deities are worshipped during this festival, and the alters for the deities are made using bamboo. The festival was a unique experience where I saw the Karbis engaging in their age-old rituals.
In addition to learning about their festivals and traditions, I also gained insight into their daily lives. The Karbis live in houses constructed from bamboo and wood and are skilled in pottery and basket weaving. I had the opportunity to learn about their pottery techniques and even tried my hand at making a pot myself.
The Miris are a tribal group that traces their origins to Sino-Tibetan ancestry. They follow their animistic religion called Donyi-Polo, which revolves around the worship of the sun and moon as deities. During my stay with the Miris, I was able to witness the Ali-Ayé-Lígang festival, which marks the beginning of the sowing season in the region. The festival is celebrated in the second week of February and sees song and dance at night to the music of cymbal and gong. The festival was a beautiful celebration of their culture, and I felt privileged to be a part of it.
They are skilled in bamboo and cane weaving, and their handicrafts are popular in the region. They also engage in agriculture and fishing, with rice being their staple crop. I was impressed with their self-sufficient way of life, and the Miris' harmonious relationship with nature was evident in how they lived.
Overall, my visit to the Miri tribe was an unforgettable experience. I left with a newfound appreciation for their unique culture and way of life.
Rabhas are Tibeto-Burman tribes of Assam. They follow Hinduism, and their prime deity Mahakal is similar to lord Shiva. During my stay with the Rabhas, I was able to witness the Chandubi festival, which is celebrated in the second week of January. I saw their traditional dance, art, and craft at this festival. I also had the opportunity to visit the Jonbeel Mela, a unique fair where the barter system is still in practice.
I also learned about their daily lives. The Rabhas practice shifting agriculture and are skilled in bamboo and cane weaving. In conclusion, my year-long journey meeting the diverse tribes of Assam was a unique and enriching experience. I witnessed their vibrant festivals, learned about their fascinating daily lives, and even had an opportunity to try my hand at their traditional occupations. I feel truly privileged to have experienced the rich and diverse tapestry of Assam's cultures and traditions.
Assam is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in true tribal culture. It offers not just a cultural extravaganza but also a valuable learning experience about how people have lived for ages. So grab your cameras and travel journals and start planning your next trip to Assam, a land where culture comes alive.
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