Culture of Assam

Tiwa People

The Tiwa people (also historically called Lalung) are one of the major indigenous tribal communities of Assam, belonging to the Bodo-Kachari ethnic family. They are primarily found in central Assam (Morigaon, Nagaon, and parts of Karbi Anglong) and Meghalaya. The Tiwas are divided into Hill Tiwas (Meghalaya) and Plains Tiwas (Assam), each with slightly distinct cultural practices. Tiwa culture is rich, vibrant, and closely connected to nature, agriculture, and tribal traditions, with a strong emphasis on community festivals and rituals.

Historical Background and Identity

• • The Tiwas are one of the ancient Tibeto-Burman speaking communities of Assam.

  • Traditionally, they were agrarian, practicing wet rice cultivation along river valleys.

  • Historical texts refer to them as Lalung, meaning “people of the hills or plains.”

  • Tiwas are officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Assam and Meghalaya.

  • Over centuries, they developed a distinct cultural identity, blending traditional tribal practices with influences from neighboring Assamese, Karbi, and Khasi communities.

Occupations: Agriculture (rice cultivation), weaving, hunting, and handicrafts.

Language of the Tiwa People

• • Tiwa language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family.

  • There are two main dialects:

    • Hill Tiwa dialect

    • Plains Tiwa dialect

  • Many Tiwas are bilingual, speaking Assamese or Khasi, depending on their region.

  • Traditionally, Tiwa language is oral, with folklore, songs, and myths transmitted orally.

  • Language is a key marker of tribal identity and cultural preservation.

Cultural Importance:

• • Songs, proverbs, and stories in Tiwa language preserve history, mythology, and moral values.

Religion and Belief System

• • Traditionally, Tiwas practiced animism and nature worship.

  • They worshipped:

    • Rivers, hills, and forests

    • Ancestral spirits

    • Agricultural deities

  • Over time, some Tiwas adopted Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavism, but traditional rituals remain strong.

  • Religious practices include:

    • Offerings to nature spirits

    • Rituals for fertility, health, and good harvest

  • The village priest (Loro) plays a central role in ceremonies.

Core Beliefs:

• • Harmony with nature

  • Reverence for ancestors and spirits

  • Community welfare and cooperation

Festivals and Celebrations

Tiwa festivals are agriculture-based and communal, reflecting their close bond with nature.

Major Festivals:

• • Jonbeel Mela

    • Famous annual fair held near Morigaon.

    • Originally a barter system fair, now cultural and social gathering.

  • Chomangkan / Wanshu

    • Festivals marking the agricultural cycle and harvest.

  • Bihu

    • Rongali Bihu is celebrated, especially by Plains Tiwas.

  • Other Ritual Festivals

    • Ceremonies for rain, fertility, and honoring ancestors.

Social Importance:

• • Festivals reinforce community bonds and tribal identity.

  • Music, dance, and traditional attire are central to celebrations.

Performing Arts: Dance, Music, and Theater

Dance:

• • Cherang or Bagurumba-like folk dances performed during festivals.

  • Movements often imitate nature, such as birds and rivers.

  • Both men and women participate in different types of dance.

Music:

• • Tiwa folk music is vibrant and ritualistic, accompanying dance and work.

  • Instruments include:

    • Dhol (drum)

    • Taal (cymbals)

    • Flute

  • Songs reflect themes of agriculture, love, mythology, and nature.

Theater and Oral Performance:

• • Oral storytelling is common, including myths and legends.

  • Plays are sometimes performed during festivals to teach moral and cultural values.

Art, Crafts, and Handicrafts

Tiwas are skilled in weaving, bamboo work, and pottery.

Major Crafts:

• • Weaving:

    • Women weave traditional clothes with red, black, and white patterns, often used during festivals.

  • Bamboo and Cane Work:

    • Baskets, mats, tools for agriculture, and fishing gear.

  • Ritual Objects:

    • Wooden and bamboo items used in ceremonies.

Cultural Value:

• • Crafts serve both functional and ceremonial purposes.

  • Skills are passed down through generations.

Cuisine and Food Habits

• • Tiwa cuisine is simple, nutritious, and based on rice and local produce.

  • Staple foods include:

    • Rice (primary staple)

    • Fish (freshwater)

    • Vegetables and leafy greens

    • Meat (pork, chicken) during festivals

  • Traditional rice beer and fermented foods are common in celebrations.

Food Culture:

• • Food reflects seasonality, self-sufficiency, and community sharing.

  • Special dishes are prepared during festivals.

Traditional Attire and Lifestyle

Traditional Dress:

• • Women:

    • Mekhela Chador with unique tribal designs.

  • Men:

    • Dhoti, shirt, and traditional cloth wrap.

  • Ornaments:

    • Beads, necklaces, and earrings during festivals.

Lifestyle:

• • Agriculture is central to daily life.

  • Villages are close-knit, emphasizing cooperation and mutual help.

  • Daily routines revolve around farming, rituals, and communal activities.

Architecture

• • Traditional Tiwa houses are:

    • Made of bamboo, wood, and thatch

    • Built on raised platforms to prevent flood damage

  • Villages often have central ceremonial grounds for festivals and community gatherings.

  • Some ceremonial structures are decorated with symbols of nature and ancestors.

Historical Influences and Cultural Evolution

• • Tiwa culture has been shaped by:

    • Ancient tribal traditions (agriculture, animism)

    • Ahom influence (administration, inter-community interaction)

    • Assamese Vaishnavism (religion)

    • Modern education and migration (20th century onwards)

  • Evolution shows adaptation to modern life while retaining traditional practices.

  • Festivals, rituals, and oral traditions have helped preserve Tiwa identity.

Cultural Evolution:

• • Tiwa people maintain a unique tribal identity despite modern influences.

  • There is a balance between tradition and contemporary living.

Social Structure and Values 

• • Tiwa society is clan-based and patriarchal.

  • Marriage and social interactions are guided by traditional norms.

  • Women are active in:

    • Weaving

    • Household management

    • Festival performances

  • Values emphasized include:

    • Community cooperation

    • Respect for elders

    • Harmony with nature