Assam

Land of Eternal Bihu and the Majestic Brahmaputra

Festival Indigenous Sports Wildlife Textile and Crafts Sports Icon War Tourism & Museums
Embracing Heritage through Festivals
Rongali (Bohag) Bihu

Celebrated in April, Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of the sowing season. It is characterized by joyous festivities, including the traditional Bihu dance, folk songs, feasts, and community gatherings. The celebrations reflect the spirit of Assam, with people wearing traditional attire and participating in various cultural activities.

Bhogali (Magh) Bihu

Observed in January, Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival that celebrates the end of the harvesting season. The festival is marked by community feasts, bonfires (Meji), and traditional games. People prepare various traditional Assamese dishes to celebrate the bountiful harvest, with community gatherings around the bonfire for singing and dancing.

Kongali (Kati) Bihu

Celebrated in October, Kongali Bihu is a more somber affair compared to the other two Bihus. It is a time for prayer and reflection, marked by the lighting of lamps (Diyas) in the fields and homes to guide the spirits and protect the crops.

Ambubachi Mela

The Ambubachi Mela, held annually in June at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, is one of the most significant religious festivals in Assam. It marks the annual menstruation period of the goddess Kamakhya, associated with fertility rituals. The temple remains closed for three days, reopening with great fanfare on the fourth day, attracting thousands of devotees, sadhus, and pilgrims from across the country.

Indigenous Sports of Assam
Kabaddi (Hadataal or Kabbadi in Assam)

While kabaddi is popular across India, Assam has its own traditional variant. Played in rural parts, it involves two teams, where players attempt to tag opponents without being caught. It remains popular in villages and is often played during festivals and fairs.

Dhopkhel

This traditional game combines elements of both sport and ritual, particularly played during the festival of Rongali Bihu. It is a fastpaced game where two teams throw a ball (dhop) across a field and attempt to catch or dodge it. It requires agility, strength, and team coordination. Though it is not as widely played now, efforts have been made to revive Dhopkhel as a cultural sport of Assam.

Buffalo Fighting (Moh-Juj)

Buffalo fights are a traditional part of Assamese rural festivals, especially during Magh Bihu (harvest festival). The buffaloes are raised and trained specifically for these contests, which are a major attraction during the celebrations. Though controversial due to animal rights concerns, buffalo fighting remains a cultural relic of Assam's agricultural history.

Boat Racing

B: Due to Assam's extensive river network, boat racing has been an integral part of the state's traditional sports. Villages and communities along the Brahmaputra and its tributaries organize competitive boat races, particularly during festivals like Bihu and Ali Ai Ligang. The races foster a strong sense of community and teamwork.

Wild Wonders of Assam, Nature’s Untamed Beauty
Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. The park also hosts tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and a variety of bird species, making it a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The annual floods in the Brahmaputra plains add a unique dynamic to the park's ecosystem.

Manas National Park

Manas, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Tiger Reserve, is known for its rare and endangered species, including the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, pygmy hog, and golden langur. The park's rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, coupled with its conservation efforts, make it an important wildlife destination.

GI Products textiles & Crafts of Assam
MISHING TEXTILE
DOKHONA
ARONAI
MUGA SILK
GAMOCHA
BELL METEL
MAJULI MASK
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Sports Icons of Assam, Inspiring the Next Generation
Lovlina Borgohain

Lovlina Borgohain is a boxer from Assam who won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the women's welterweight category. Her achievements in a short span have made her a sports icon in the region, encouraging many young athletes to pursue boxing.

Hima Das

Hima Das, also known as the "Dhing Express," is a sprinter from Assam who made headlines when she became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track event at the IAAF World U20 Championships in 2018. She has also won multiple medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships, solidifying her status as one of India's fastest runners. Hima’s rapid rise in the athletics world has made her an inspiration, particularly for young athletes from rural and underrepresented regions.

War Tourism & Museums in Assam
Second World War Cemetery, Digboi

The Second World War Cemetery in Digboi is a resting place for Allied soldiers who died in the region during World War II. Digboi, known for its oil refinery, was a strategic location during the war. The cemetery is maintained to honor the memory of the soldiers who served in this important operational area.

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