AWSOME ASSAM: UNVEILING THE HIDDEN CHARM OF ASSAM

Assam, a treasure trove of natural beauty and diverse history, is one of the least explored
regions of the country. It is also known as Gateway of North-East India, which is sure to allure
you with its immaculate and untouched aura. Gift wrapped with rolling fields and aromatic
tea, canoes sailing down the Brahmaputra, thick jungles, bizarre wild life, Assam is one of the
most charming state and top biodiversity hot spots of the entire world. Assam is the land of
veritable paradise, vibrant culture, scenic beauty, historical significance, hills, wild forests,
mighty rivers, rich flora and fauna and ultimate destination of tourists.
The state Assam is situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas. It is the largest state of North-
East India and bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the North; Nagaland and Manipur
to the East; Tripura and Mizoram to the South and Meghalaya, Bangladesh and West Bengal
to the West. Assam covers an area of 78,438 Sq. Km which is total 24% of the total
geographical area of India. Historically believed that the people of Assam residing are the
fusion of Indo-Burmese, Mongolian and Aryan influence. The people here collectively called
Axomiya / Assamese, which is also the mostly spoken official language of the state.
Culture of Assam
Namghars (Prayer Houses)- these are the places of congregational worship associated with
entire Assamese community or also known as Ekasarana (focused devotion to Lord Krishna).
The Namghars are introduced in Assam by the Vaishnavite Saints – Damodardev, Mahadev
and Shankardev. The first Namghar was established Bordowa in Nagaon District.
Mekhela Chadar - Assamese people wear very simple dresses and mostly Hand-Loomed.
Mekhela is one of the popular female attires not only in Assam, but also other parts. Men on
the other hand wear Dhoti or Suria and drape a Chadar above locally known as Seleng.
Gamosa (Body-Wipe after Bath)- is an indispensable part of almost all the socio-religious
activity in Assam. Gamosa look like a white rectangular piece of cloth with red border on three
sides and woven motifs on the fourth side. Assamese men wear Dhoti-Gamosa as a traditional
dress.
Japi (A kind of Hat)- it is a traditional symbol of Assamese culture. It used as a headgear while
working in the field, as earlier days umbrella are unheard or not in use. It is an Indigenous
product from the cottage industry of Assam. Japi is made from bamboo and plam leaves.
Today, Japi has turned into cultural symbol of Assam, even at global platform.
Tamul Paan (Areca nuts and Beetel Leafs)- this is considered as an offer of devotion and
friendship. Serving tamul paan in a traditional bell metel vessal is an mark of honor.
Xoria (A Bell Metal)- Xoria is a form of vessal made up from metal. It is considered as article
of great respect by the people of Assam. The Hajo and Sarthebari are the popular places where
it is manufactured.
Jewllery- most of the Assamese jewllery are made up from gold termed as ‘Kesha Xoon’ means
raw gold. These are typically hand made and designs mostly dipicts the rich flora and fauna of
the state. Ornaments are decorated with vibrant red gem stones, ruby or mina.
Folk Music of Assam
Assam is rich in folk music and influential artists like Bhupen Hazarika, Parvati Prasad
Baruva, Jayenta Hazarika, Upalendu Choudhury, Nirmalendu Choudhury and many others.
Bihu Geet- Bihu Geet is based upon the themes of Assamese New Year, Farmers daily life,
love, seasonal spirit etc. Other than these, Husori is another form of these, sung during religious
activity.
Bhawaiya- This folk music is popular in Goalpara district of Assam. The music is believed to
be originated during 16th century under Koch ruler Vishwa Singha. The song is specifically
sung by buffalo keepers while ploughing.
Goalpariya Lokgeet- this folk music is specifically from the Goalpara district of Assam. The
main theme of the song is love. The famous singers are Pratima Barua Pandey, Nazmul Hoque,
Allaudin Sorkar.
Baul Songs- These sect singers belong to mixed people from Sufism, Vaishnavism and
Bhuddism from Bengal region of Indian Sub-continent; Bangladesh; other Bengali areas as
Tripura, Barak Valley region of Assam. Bauls are very heterogenous sects, but their
membership mostly consists of Vaishnava Hindus and Sufi Muslims. They are mostly
identified with distinctive cloths and specific music instrument called Ektara. Most notable
Baul sinLalon Shah, or Lalon Fakir, the prominent Bengali philosopher, author, reformer, saint,
songwriter, singer and one of the respectable icons of the Bengali culture.
Dance Forms of Assam
Bihu Dance- This dance is said to be originated in about 1694 AD, when Ahom King Sudra
Singha invited, a sect of people to perform at Rang Ghar of Assam during the festival called
Rongali Bihu. It is group dance only by male and female together. Male dancers are dressed in
Dhoti and Gamosa; whereas, female dancers are dressed in Mekhela Chador. Dancers are
accompanied by musical instruments as- Dhol, Pepa (flute) etc.
Sattriya Dance- It is recognized as the 8th classical dance of India by Sangeet Natak Academy
on 15th November, 2000. Some of the famous Sattriya dancers are Sharodi Saikia, Madhumita
Bora, Prerona Bhuyan and Ranjrmoni Saikia. The core of these form of dance is usually the
mythological stories.
Bhortal Dance- The Bhortal dance is said to be derived from Sattriya form of dance which was
basically introduced by Narhari Burha Bhakat. This dance is specifically form Barpeta district
of Assam. The dance is performed by 6 to 7 dancers during Bihu festival. The dancers dance
on a very fast beet known as Zhiya Nom.
Ojapali Dance- The traditional and Indigenous dance performed by the dancers of Daraand
and Baksa districts of Assam, called Ojapali dance. The dance is performed mainly by the male,
where the leader of the dance is called Oja and assistants are called Pali. The dance has three
wings-1. Vyasageet Oja, 2. Suknarayani Oja and 3. Ramayana Oja.
Dhamail Dance- A popular folk dance of Barak Valley, its origin said to be at the Sylhet district
of Bangladesh. Radha Raman Dutta, considered as the father of Dhamail dance and as well as
influential Sylheti folk music composer and poet from Sunamganj area of Sylhet District. This
form of dance is very popular into the three districts of assam Cachar, Hailakndi and Karimganj
Jhumur Dance- This is the oldest form of dance performed by the Assam Tea Tribes. The
dance is performed by both male and female or sometimes by only females. The dance is
performed with precision of foot work while tightly clasping each other waist.
Bagurumba Dance- this is one of the folk dances of Assam, specifically performed by the
Bodo’s of Bodoland Territorial Council. The dance form is also called ‘butterfly dance’ due to
its motion resembles to butterflies. The dance is usually performed during Bwishagu Festival
during Mid-April. The dance is group dance, performed by girls wearing traditional attire called
Dokhna, Jwmgra and Aronai. The Bagurumba dance is favored by the supreme deity called
‘Bathou’ represented by Sizu Plant, whom the Bodo Tribe offer Chicken with Zou (rice) and
Beer.
Cuisines of Assam
Assamese cuisines are the confluence of cooking habits and preservation style that includes
fermentation and drying, which influence the flavor of foods. Vegetables, meat, fish etc., are
all centered around the main food rice. Fish is widely used and birds like duck and pigeon are
very popular and often paired with local vegetables found here. Some of the Assamese popular
dishes are-
Khar- it is one of the traditional dishes of Assam, which is served or eaten at the very beginning.
The dish is prepared by unripe papaya cooked with chilies and panch phoran (5 seed blend). It
is believed that the khar cleanses the stomach, thus has health benefits.
Tenga (Sour Dish)- tenga is a sour fish curry, which is best enjoyed with rice during lunch and
dinner. The ingredients like tomatoes, raw mango, lemon and other naturally sour leafy
vegetables are used to make the curry sour.
Pitika- this is specially, the boiled vegetables or boiled potatoes, which are smashed first. Latter
mixed with green chilli, coriander leaf, onions.
Paro Mangxo (Pigeon Meat Curry)- this is the age-old traditional dish, mainly consumed
during winter, as it is believed that pigeon meet provides body warmth. The most favored recipe
is when pigeon is cooked with banana flower and lots of peppercorn and mostly eaten with
rice.
Duck Meat Curry- It is yet another unique curry of Assam. It is mainly cooked on special
occasion and uses range of species to add to its flavor. It is mainly cooked with Ash Gourd.
Ou Khatta- (Elephant Apple)- this is the sweet and sour chutney, made with elephant apple
and jaggery. The mustard seeds are used to put additional flavor.
Pitha- is a sweet dish of Assam, made of rice powder, flour, sugar, jaggary and grated coconut.
These pithas are prepared during various festivals.
Maas Patot Diya (Give the Fish wrapped in a Leaf)- this is a traditional from Karbi tribe of
Assam. As per the requirement of the dish, the various veggies, meat, fish etc., are fixed
together and wrapped in a turmeric leaf or banana. Latter the whole wrapped up leaf is baked
on iron tawa.
Baanhgajor Logot Kukura (Chicken with Bamboo Shoot)- Bamboo shoots are bamboo
sprouts used as edible in many Asian dishes. At Assam bamboo shoot with chicken are absolute
treat and leaves behind a unique taste.
Rivers of Assam
The state of Assam comprised of Two valleys namely, Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley.
The river system are followes-
Brahmaputra River System- The Brahmaputra is one of the biggest rivers of the world. The
river originated from Manasarovar Lake Region, near the mount Kailash. It is a transboundary
river flows through Tibet/ China (known as Tsangpo), Arunachal Pradesh/ India (Known as
Siang), Assam/ India (Luit/ Brahmaputra) and Bangladesh (known as Jamuna). Latter it
merges with Padma River and becomes Meghna at Bangladesh and falls into Bay of Bengal.
At Assam the total length of Brahmaputra is about 2900km and its total drainage area is about
19,4413 sq.km. It flows for about 640km down the Assam Valley and navigable for a distance
of 1384km up to Dibrugarh area of Assam. The main tributaries of Brahmaputra River within
Assam are – Burhi-Dihing (Dibrugarh District); Disang, Dikhaw, Bhogodoi, Jhanji and
Dhansiri (Sibsagar District); Subansari (Lakhimpur District); Kapili (Nagaon District); Bharali
and Barnadi (Darrang District), Pagladia, Beki, Manas, Digaru, Kulsi (Kamrup District),
Sankosh, Krishna, Soralbhanga, Champamati (Goalpara District).
Barak River System- The Barak is the second largest river system in North-East India as well
as in Assam. The Barak rises on the Southern Slope of the lofty Barail Range near the border
of Manipur and Nagaland States, where it is known as Kirong. It flows westernly and
southernly course to Tipaimukh, and sharply turns to North and forms a borderline between
the Cachar District of Assam and Manipur State. The river flows down stream into the Silchar
Town and before entering Bangladesh it bifurcates into Surma River and Kushiyara River.
At Assam the Barak River has total length of 225km and it drains the southern part of the state
which includes Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi districts and North-Cachar Hills. The main
tributaries of Barak River are – Jiri (Dima Hasao Districts); Jatinga (Dima Hasao Districts);
Sonai (originate form Lushai Hills of Mizoram and falls in Barak river at Sonaimukh area);
Katakhal (originate within Bhairabi area); Dhaleshwari (originates from Mizoram Hills);
Singla (originates from Mizoram Hills and falls fall into Son Beel Lake); Longai (it is a trans-
boundary river, originates from Jampui Hills of Tripura state and flows through Mizoram
before entering into Karimganj District of Barak Valley Region).
Beels (Lakes) of Assam
Haflong Lake- Haflong is a clean lake, located at the center of Haflong town of Assam. It is
one of the beautiful lakes of Assam, with hanging bridge overpassing it. It provides various
water activities as water sporting, boating, photography, fishing facilities etc.
Chandubai Lake- This lake is formed in 1897 earthquake which in result the destruction of
forests and emergence of the lake. Chandubai lake is located at the foothills of Garo Hill in
Kamrup district of Assam. It is one of the most famous picnic spots. The place is covered with
tea garden, deep forests and small village areas.
Son Beel - It is located at the Karimganj district of Barak Valley region of Assam and this lake
is the second largest wetland in Asia. It is a farm cum lake which gets converted inro paddy
field during winter season. Hence, also known as Rice Bowl of South Assam. Son Beel is also
the largest producer of fish for the entire market of Southern Assam.
Dipor Beel - It is one of the largest fresh water bodies, situated at South-West of Guwahati city
that is the Kamrup district. One of the unique features of this lake is that it supports 12 villages
at a time surrounding it. It has been noticed that the lake attracts more than 200 bird species,
out of which 70 species are migratory birds. Hence, in 1989 government of Assam declared
Dipor Beel as the Bird Sanctuary.
Dighalipukuri Lake- This is a man-made lake in a rectangular shape, built during the reign of
Ahom Dynasty. This lake is used as naval yard.
Diphu Lake- It is one of the least known hill stations located 270km from Guwahati. The lake
is endowed with beautiful temples like Deopani Durga Mandir, Shiva Mandir, Khanduli etc.
The place is famous for tracking, hiking and other adventure sports.
Tourists Places of Assam
Kaziranga National Park- home to two-thirds of the planet’s population of the one-horned
rhinoceros. Apart from that, this national park is also a World Heritage Site due to its vibrant,
well preserved, sustained ecology, and versatile biodiversity. Other than the one-horned Rhino,
the park draws its popularity from other pleasant surprises like the Swamp Deer, Elephants,
Wild Buffalos, Chinese Pangolins, Bengal Foxes, Gibbons, Civets, Sloth Bears, Leopards, and
Flying Squirrels to name a few.
Manas National Park- a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an
Elephant Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve all in one. The Park is also famous for rare golden
langur and the adorable red panda, and even those who wish to witness the rare species of
India’s flora.
Kamakhya Temple- One of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India, the Kamakhya Temple carries a myth
to protect devotees from evil eyes. It’s one of the most popular and famous places for pilgrims
and tourists alike owing to its amazing Tantric adoration. Located atop Nilachal Hills, this
temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva and Daksha Yagna and one of the most revered temples in
Guwahati.
Majuli Island: The largest Riverine Island upon Brahmaputra Rivers- Majuli is the world’s
largest riverine island as well as one of the most important Satras established by Sankardeva
and Madhavdev. The islands are spread over an area of around 452 sq km and most of these
get submerged underwater during the monsoons, leaving the bigger islands like Kamalabari,
Auniati, and Garamur on the surface.
Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary- Located less than 20 km from Jorhat city center,
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for Assam’s Hoolock Gibbon population. This wildlife
sanctuary is among the best spectacles of Assam. Other than over 40 species of Hoolock
Gibbons, this enclosure houses Capped Langur, Stump-Tailed Macaque, Pigtail Macaque,
Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Slow Loris, Elephants, and so many more species of
animals.
Kakochang Watefalls- located 13 km from the Bokakhat in Jorhat and attracts tourists in great
numbers year-round. Apart from providing a refreshing retreat and a great subject for
shutterbugs, this waterfall gives splendid views of the ruins of Numaligarh and lush green tea
plantations.
Tocklai Tea Research Center- Established in 1911, the Tocklai Tea Research Centre is among
the largest and oldest tea research stations in the world. All the scientific knowledge that the
world holds about tea, has come from this center in Assam. Various researches on the
extraction, cultivation, and processing of tea are conducted here day after day in order to
enhance tea’s nutritional value.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary- Situated Located on the Eastern Himalayan foothills, this park
gives you not only the chance to spot some of the country’s rarest animal and bird species, but
also blesses you with unbeatable views of the snowy Himalayan peaks and endless orchid
meadows. One of the best Assam tourist places, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary shares its borders
with Arunachal Pradesh.
Orang National Park- Among other Assam places to visit is the Orang National Park or Rajiv
Gandhi National Park nestled quietly on the northern shores of the Brahmaputra. It’s the
popular home of Assam’s one-horned rhinos, and though small in size, this park is among the
most unique Assam destinations. It provides shelter to more than 50 species of fish and is
unbelievably rich in fauna, which contribute majorly to its bewitching landforms and scenic
charm.
Dipor Beel- Beel in Assamese means lake, formed as an extension of the Brahmaputra River,
this lake is situated 13 km southwest of Guwahati and is the perfect spot for birdwatching and
basking in the sun. You’ll find all sorts of waterlilies, water hyacinths, aquatic grass, and other
rare species of flora.
Hajo- a very ancient pilgrimage site located 24 km northwest of the capital city of Guwahati.
The unique quality of Hajo is the blend of three religion, i.e., Hindus, Buddhist and Muslims.
The most famous temple is Hayagriva Madhava Mandir and tall white green Hajo Powa Mecca.
Kashpur- Located 20km from Silchar, Ruins of the great Dimasa Kingdom are found here. The
main attraction is the Lion Gate, The Sun Gate and Oldest Kings Temple.
Sri Surya Pahar- This is an archaeological site, located 132 km north-west of Guwahati. The
site is a hilly terrain where there are hundreds of rocks- cut Shivalingas, Stupas, Deities of
Hindu, Buddhist and Jain are found. It has been believed that once Saint Vyasa engraved 999,99
Shivalingas inorder to build up a second Kashi.
Nameri National Park-This Park is situated at the Sonitpur District of Assam. It is Famous for
its royal Bengal Tigers, Elephants, and other animals including Leopards, Gaurs, Wild Pigs,
Sambars, and more. Apart from its fauna, Nameri also has a large population of avifauna which
makes it a bird watcher’s paradise. A stop at the Nameri river will let one, spot a variety of
fish, including the Golden Mahseer which is known as the “Tiger of the Himalayan rivers”.
Sualkuchi Weavers Village- The village is known as the carrier of age-old tradition of
Assamese culture. Sualkuchi produces the best kind of silk in the state. For the same reason, it
is called Manchester of East. It will be delighted to see the village houses made of bamboo and
mud. Its ethnicity and rustic charm are what makes it famous places in Assam.
Digboi- Also Known as oil city of Assam. Digboi encompasses lush green tea gardens and is
the focal point of the Tinsukia district’s economic activities. Famous for housing India’s oldest
refinery, this town in Assam has a historic significance to it as Crude oil was discovered here
in the 19th century.