Assamese Culture - Its Myriad Hues

Aradha Bhuyan

The term ‘culture’ often referred to as a descriptive term that encompasses a vast periphery of human ture, behavior, customs and ideas of a group of people living in a definite territory. It also refers to the distinct lifestyle, food habits and attitudes of a group of individuals of a particular society. Now as regards Assam, Assamese culture is an amalgamation of diverse cultures of different ethno-cultural groups covered under multiple politico-economic systems in different eras of the so-called history of Assam. The denizens of Assam can be traced back to the Mongolian, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Aryan origin and they are referred to as Assamese and speak the same language.

While referring to Assamese culture, the customs, rituals, lifestyle, cuisine, art and culture, language, religion and festival, all are included within its sphere. The prime source of livelihood of the people of Assam is agriculture and 80 per cent of the people of Assam depend on this source. Rice is the staple food crop of the people of Assam. Other cash crops include tea, jute, and sugarcane. Assam’s tea is famous worldwide and it also contributes to the economy of Assam.

Tradition- this term plays a significant role in Assamese society as Assamese people strictly adhere to tradition. The ‘Axomiya Bia’ is observed following all the traditiol rites of jurun, Khuba-Khubuni and there is much fun in observing the rituals among the Assamese women. Another aspect of Assamese culture is gamosa which is indispensable during every Assamese cultural function. Many emotions are attached to the red white rectangular piece of cloth with red border as it is woven motifs by Assamese women.

The japi is often used as a token of respect to welcome the guests. This japi is also apparent in the paddy fields where peasants employ them as umbrella. Also, the Bihu dance is an indispensable aspect of the vast Assamese culture. But at present, this Bihu dance is becoming more professiol and this is really pathetic as many sentiments of Assamese people are attached to it.

Now talking about the cuisine of Assamese people, it is really very healthy as Assamese appetite mostly prefers herbs and green leafy vegetables. In Assamese society, guests are welcomed with tamul (betel nut) and paan as a token of hospitability. Again, the intrinsic mekhela chadar, be it paat or muga, occupies a unique space as the cottage industries of Sualkuchi are at present becoming a centre of global attraction.

Doi chera, kumol chawl, bora chawl, jalpan and various types of laru pitha also deserve a special mention as the Assamese breakfast.

Even the Xattriya dance of Assam also contributes a lot as it has enriched the Assamese culture to a great extent in the last two decades. Moreover, the art and architecture during the Ahom reign is noteworthy. Sivasagar offers a wide display of the works of Ahom kings during that era. The Ranghar, Talatal Ghar, Shiva Doul, Kareng Ghar and also the Kamakhya Temple at Nilachal Hills, Umanda and Basistha in Guwahati speak ample in this regard. The numerous xatras of the largest river island Majuli have contributed much to the historic culture of Assam. Among these, mention may be made of the Kamalabari Xatra, Auniati Xatra and Dakhinpat Xatra.

Thus, we should obviously feel proud of our rich Assamese culture. And in order to preserve our culture and let it go from generation to generation, the Assam Government should take effective steps in this regard so as to make our Assamese culture grow wider and stronger in the coming future.