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The culture and tradition of the various
religions in the Assam State have distinct indentities of their own that
have evolved without much outside influence. They inherited the tradition of
celebrating their colourful festivals and religious rivals which mainly
dealt with the passing of the seasons. Assam is basically agricultural based
state. So, naturally they celebrate their festival connected with their
original occupation, i.e. agricultural cycle starts with the arrives thanks
giving are celebrated for gods providence.
Assam people celebrated by different races of colourful festivals
The Bodos celebrated Baishagu – a very colorful festival. Baishagu is
generally celebrated at the advent of the New Year in mid April. Their
supreme deity Bathou (Lord Shiva) is also worshipped in the festival.
The Deories also get ready to celebrate their festival in
this period which is Bahaggiyo Bishu. This is also observed during mid April
at a stretch for seven days with a lot of fanfare. The Bishus must be
proceeded by a than puja and it starts on Wednesdays. The Deodhani dance is
the most important and significant part of the festival. Husori is also an
important part of it.
The Dimasa tribes celebrate their festivals
Rajini Gabra and harini Gabra annually. If is celebrated before the
commencement of the agricultural season.
The Mishing people celebrate Ali-Ai-Ligang which
is held every year on the first Wednesday (Ligange Lange) of the month of
February – March (Ginmur-Palo). Ali-means root, Ai-means fruit and higang-means
sow. Fish is essential for the feast of this festival.
The Karbis, in the spring prepare to
celebrate Kungker which is performed by prayers to the Almighty. The women
are not allowed to take part in the worship of Goddess Anena. The Hill
Karbis celebrate another festivals Hacha kican during March-April. Both the
festivals are celebrated to welcome the New Year.
The Rabhas celebrate the spring with Baikha
and Farkantis Festivals. Tiwas and Lalungs celebrate Sagra-Misawa-Wansawa
and haghum.
Among all these the most important festival of Assam is Rangali Bihu and
Bhogali Bihu. It is celebrated in the middle of April. Specially Rangali Bihu
is the time for festivities Nature also wears new colourful dress at this
time. The Bihu dance is accompanied by dhol, pepa and other traditional
instruments. In Bihu dance the Girls wear Muga Makhela Sadar and the Boys
wear Vest Gamosas, Dhotis etc. The girls tie ‘Kopouphul’ (a kind of orchid)
around their chignons. The Jewellery that, the dancers wear are ‘Gamkharu’,
‘Beans’, ‘Dugduggies’ etc. Bihu is called the lifetime of Assamese Culture.
So, we sing a song
“Bahag mathu eti ritu nohai /
Nahoi bahag eti mah /
Asomiya jatir ai ayuh nekha /
Gana jibanar itihash / ”
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