Women-Centric Festivals And Social Cohesion In Assamese Society

Culture is collectively experienced and celebrated by the people of a society. India is home to a wide variety of ceremonies and festivals, which reflect the religious sentiments, social harmony, and rich cultural heritage of its people. In Assam, festivals occupy a significant place in social and cultural life. The state observes numerous festivals, most notably the national festival Bihu, which brings together people from all sections of society. The origins of many Assamese festivals are deeply rooted in traditional social practices, particularly those initiated and preserved by women. These women-centric festivals hold a special position in Assamese social life. Through such celebrations, women express their creativity, fertility, motherhood, and social identity. This paper attempts to analyse the nature of women-centric festivals in Assamese society and examines their role in fostering social cohesion and cultural unity.