Assam is a beautiful north-eastern state of India. It has a hybrid culture as it has been assimilated from diverse cultural groups under the political-economic systems, origin back from history. The roots of the culture go 1,000 years back when the first assimilation took place in the state between the people of Tibeto-Burman and Austroasiatic. The culture has been evolved with the time, mixed with distinct heritage, cuisine, rituals, faiths & beliefs, Lifestyle and customs.
Gamocha is one of the significant cultural of Assamese. It is an integral part of every social-economic ritual. It is a rectangular piece of hand woven cotton white cloth, with a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the other side. For the people of Assamese, the cloth has a very religious significance and ethnic background.
The People of Assam
The Assamese has always been known for a friendly and open-hearted nature. The ethnicity of the state is influenced by the people migrated here from diverse places. The largest population group in Assam is tribal. Some of the large tribal groups are The Deori, The Misings, The Boro-Kacharis, The Lalungs, The Rabhas, and The Karbis. Most of the people reside in the hill region or plain region. However, the hill region is dominated more by the group of tribal people.
The popular Assam Tea
Assam Tea is popularly known as Black Tea. The tea is specifically produced from the plant named, C. Sinensis. The Assam tea is grown at or near sea level, which gives that special briskness, strong, bright colour, and structure. The region produces White and Green tea in a very small quantity with its own distinct features.
Assam is 2nd commercially producing area in the world after China. This part of India experiences high precipitation weather during the monsoon time, which is very ideal for growing Black Tea.
Religion and Language
Vaishnavism is the main religion in Assam which is practised by the people. Besides this, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism are the other popular four religions which people follow. The majority of these tribe’s worship their religion, God along with the following rituals and customs.
Assam is an inhabited of a diverse group of people. However, the languages also change from group to group. The main language is Akhomiya The English language in only used for administrative purpose by the people those cannot speak another language. Bengali is the other type of language that is used by Hindus and Muslims residing in the state. The different tribal group has different languages that are only used within their communities.
Festivals and More
During the year, the biggest festival celebrates is Bihu. It is a State Festival of the Assam which is observed with a great show. The other major festivals celebrated in the state are Holi, Diwali, Swaraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Shivaratri, Kalipuja, and other similar festivals. Hapsa, Hatarnai, Ali-aye-ligang, Sokk-erroi, and Porag are some of the festivals celebrated by the Muslim ethnic group of people. However, Assam is a land of fairs and festivals. Here, each day of the festival is enjoyed with fullest respect.
Cuisine
The cuisine in Assam is being influenced by the neighbour region of the State. Assamese have their own luscious flavour and taste. As an impart of a great taste in the cuisine, various types of exotic vegetables and herbs. The most common dishes eaten are Fish curries and pork dishes. Assamese prefers a full course meal. The meal starts with the dish names Khar and ends with the dish Tenga and a Tamul Paan in the end as a relaxing dessert.