A state in the northeast of India, Assam, has a wealth of historical and cultural diversity that is visible through its festivals and traditions. The festivals of Assam are more than just days on a calendar. They are a reflection of the state’s history, multi-ethnic populations, and their connection to nature. Unlike several parts of India, where festivals are celebrated for just a single religion or a race, Assam stands apart as a symbol of unity in diversity.
The festival of Assam celebrated by the people of the state marks a national holiday of the country. People from different cultures, ethnicities, and religions come together during the celebration. It represents unity in diversity and is marked by traditional dances, songs, scrumptious food, and several forms of Assamese art.
To make the most of splendid festivals, book a domestic tour package today, and ARN Holidays will help you plan everything.
Top 10 Assam Festivals
Bihu Festival
The most colorful Assam festival for Bihu, which signifies distinct stages of agriculture.
- Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu) – Declared in mid-April, this festival welcomes the Assamese New Year while ethnolinguistic singing is celebrated. People make foamy stewed little rice cakes and balls of pitha laru raw, folk songs are sung, and the vigorous Bihu dance showcasing optimism and betterment is conducted.
- Kati Bihu (Kongali Bihu) – Earmarked for mid-October, this festival pays utmost respect to praying for a rich harvest.
- Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu) – Mid-January celebration is when the bounty harvest period wraps up: parties assist with lighting of bonfires through gorgeously oiled rice flanks which in turn unite folks to express applauding thanksgiving.
Ambubachi Mela
In Guwahati, during the Kamakhya Temple celebration in June, Assam showcases its Tantric culture by honoring womanhood and fertility through the Ambubachi Mela. During this time, the temple remains covered for three days because the feministic anthropomorphic goddess is believed to be undergoing her menstrual cycle. As a result, thousands of devotees visit after the temple reopens, seeking blessings and experiencing the mystic feminine energy.
Majuli Raas Mahotsav
The Majuli Island, which is the largest river island in the world, hosts the Raas Mahotsav festival, celebrated every year. It usually attracts devotees and art lovers from all over India. Its purpose is to celebrate the life of Lord Krishna using elaborate dance and drama. This festive event fuses devotion and artistry and makes it a must visit.
Jonbeel Mela
One of the oldest tribal fairs in Assam, the Jonbeel Mela brings communities together in Morigaon during the festive season of Magh Bihu. Participants promote tribal and social harmony by bartering goods instead of using money.
The celebrations begin with a grand community feast featuring Assam famous dishes from various tribes, followed by a lively bazaar. The festival concludes with exceptional performances that showcase Assam’s rich cultural diversity and reflect its motto of ‘Unity in Diversity.’
Tea Festival
Major Jorhat, the tea capital of India, brims with flavorful tea and a plethora of tea plantations which is the prime reason as to why it is the host for the annual Tea Festival.
Guests can see the impressive tea gardens, sample the various teas offered, and view the tea processing activities. The tea festival is Assam’s rich history and its contributions to tea are undertaken to further enhance the experience.
Dehing Patkai Festival
As per its culture, the Dehing Patkai Festival incorporates cultural activities, eco-tourism, and adventure sports in multifaceted Assam. The magnificent Dehing Patkai Rainforest, often dubbed ‘the Amazon of the East’, quenches the thirst of countless tourists who participate in the local dances, savor Assamese dishes, trek, fish, and play golf. Along with this, the festival also works to promote the sanctuary which Assam holds in the form of forests.
Baishagu Festival
The Bodo community celebrates Baishagu in mid-April with the arrival of the New Year. The festival starts with a worshipping ceremony dedicated to cows, and capstone prayers offered to Batou (the God). Bodo dancers dazzle audiences with Bodo Kham and Sifungs dances along with traditional instruments. This festival stands as a pillar of the ability, culture, pride and heritage the Bodo people embody.
Ali-Ai-Ligang
The Mishing community celebrates the Ali-Ai-Ligang festival in February, marking the beginning of the sowing season. The festival includes decorative ploughing, Gumrag dancing, traditional meals alongside beer made from rice. This festival represents their relationship with nature and farming.
Karam Puja
The tea tribes of Assam celebrate Karam Puja, a festival dedicated to Karam, an agricultural tree.
Young village girls celebrate the Karam Puja in August and September by planting fresh Karam branches, expressing gratitude to nature for its blessings, and seeking prosperity for a bountiful harvest.
Conclusion
Assam exhibits a cornucopia of vibrant heritage through its culturally delightful Bihu Dance, sacred festivals of Ambubachi Mela, and the newly initiated Dehing Patkai Festival. All of these showcase the splendid rich diversity and culture of the state while preserving the customs. Each festival has its own unique charm which proves the skill of the craftsmen in the state.
Visiting during these festivals, tourists can indulge in the warm hospitality and traditions of Assam. This entire experience is mind-blowing. This region is sure to change one’s perspective of India’s cultural vibrancy which is unusual to say the least.
