Cultural information of Assam

Assam, a northeastern state of India features a hybrid culture that has evolved with times. It is a multiethnic society with diversified culture.Assam culture has given rise to several local traditional art forms, like the Bihu dance and the Ankiya Nat, which are famous in state.Every Assamese culture, be it the language,traditional crafts, performing arts, festivity and beliefs, there are many other local elements which are always present in a Hinduised /Sanskritised form.

Bihu is the most popular folk dance of Assam. The most important
social and cultural celebrations are the three Bihu festivals observed
with great enthusiasm irrespective of caste, creed and religious affinity.
So,The people of Assam are very proud of it.Bihu dances performed by young boys and girls characterized by brisk stepping, flinging and flipping of hands and swaying of hips represents youthful passion, reproductive urge and 'Joie-de-vivre'. Bihu Dance is performed during the festival and the festival is celebrated thrice annually with their respective common name. Rongali , the biggest festival of Assam, is celebrated in the mid of April. Bhogali is celebrated during mid of January and Kangali is done in the mid of October.


Another important aspect of the cultural life of the peopel of Assam,particularly the women, is weaving of fine silk and cotton cloths of various floral and other decorative designs. Handloom weaving is a way of life in Assam. The Assamese are brilliant at arts and crafts. The craftsmanship of this state appears in its colorful Japi (headgear), terracotta of Gauripur and various decorative items.Assamese weavers produce beautiful designs on the borders of traditional garments such as the mekhela-chaddar and riha and on the gamosa (towel) .The Laichangphi, produced traditionally by the weavers of Cachar district, is a popular quilt sought after because of its warmth and softness. The tribals make beautiful shawls.From the ancient times Assamese people are weaving their own cloth from cotton and silk from tree fiber as raw materials. Every household possesses a handloom used to produce silk and (or) cotton clothes of exquisite designs. The Eri, Muga and Pat are the important silk products of Assam.