Melodies of the Brahmaputra and

Rhythms of the Malabar:

Exploring the Folk Cultures of
Upper Assam and North Kerala
Presented By
Jahida Khanam Mazumder
Roll no-21MAEN004HY
&
Mohammad Nishad C
Roll no-21MAEN023HY
Subject –Cultutal Studies
Introduction
 Folk culture serves as an invaluable repository of a region’s
traditions , beliefs and identity,offering profound insights into
the lives of its people
 This paper embarks on a captivating journey into the vibrant folk
Cultures of Upper Assam and North Kerala,two distinct regions
situated in different corner of India.
 By delving into the multifaceted aspects of these regions’ folk
traditions,this study aims to shed light on the cultural tapestry
woven bt their communities, examining the diverse forms of
rituals ,folklore,music,dance,food and traditional practices that
have endured through generations
 It shape the rich heritage of Upper Assam and North Kerala,
celebrating the resilience and significance of folk culture in these
regions.
Objectives

 To understand the concept of folk culture

 To highlight the different folk Cultures of Upper Assam
and North Kerala as an important tool for cultural identity
 Methodology Followed
 Analytical and descriptive method
 Secondary sources are collected from different books,
journals, research papers, research articles and internet.
Upper Assam

 Upper Assam(Brahmaputra region) in the northeastern

part of India
 Has vibrant culture and historical significance
 Upper region of the Assam valley,a vast plain formed by
the mighty Brahmaputra river.
 Region stretches across the districts of Jorhat, Dibrugarh,
Tinsukia,Sivsagar,Golaghat,and parts of Chataideo.
 Folk culture of Upper Assam
 Bihu:folk dance of Upper Assam, performed during Bihu festival
 Marks the onset of agricultural season.
 Accompanied by traditional Assamese music played using
instruments like dhol,taal and pepa.
 Celebrates spirit of joy,love and togetherness.
 Jhaapi: traditional Assamese head gear or hat offered to guests.
 Conical shaped
 Made from bamboo and adorned with colourful designs.
 Worn during festive occasions,cultural events and religious
ceremonies.
 Worn by both men and women
 Gamusa: rectangular white piece of cloth with red border
 Guests are welcomed with this
 Significant object of Upper Assam.
 Food:mostly non veg consumers
 Fish and meat are an integral part of Assamese cuisine
 Typical Assamese thali will have steamed rice,saak
bhaji,daal,khaar,bhaji,torkari,maasor aanja,mangsor
jol,chutney,pitika,asar.
 Art & Craft:cane and bamboo products are one of the exquisite
products.
 Prime occupation –making of bamboo products
 Different furniture, accessories,musical instruments,bags,utensils,
decorative items.
 Metals:use of metal is very important part of the culture.
 Brass metal and bell metal are extensively used.
 Metal products include xorai(plate/tray mounted on a
base),koloh(water pot),kahi(dish),bati(bowl)and taal(crymbals).
 Xorai and bati are used to offer beetel nut and paan to welcome
guests.
 Festivals:Bihu,Durga Puja,Ambubachi Mela,Me-Dum-Me-Phi,
Brahmaputra Beach Festival,Diwali,Holi.
 Handloom: important part of the culture of Upper Assam
 Mostly by women folk
 Sualkuchi, popularly known as the 'Manchester of the East’ –
centre of handloom
 Looms use mostly raw materials like cotton,muga,mulberry silk
(paat)and endi.
 Muga-finest of India’s silk,produced only in Assam.
North Kerala

 Also known as Malabar

 Located in the Southern Indian state of Kerala
 Unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
 Has vibrant festivals, traditional art forms, cuisine
 Malabar-Muslim majority area(Mappila Muslim)
 Include districts like Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur,and
Kasargod.
 Folk Culture of North Kerala
 Arabana Muttu:primitive art form
 Very popular among north Kerala Muslims,though now it is not much
 Widely performed by the people in Malappuram, Calicut,Kannur,and
Kasargod
 Performed using instrument named 'Arabana’.
 Participants sit in a semi circle with their Arabana and the leader of
the group will start singing the song.
 Ratheebs:a kind of song praising biggest Sufi scholars of Islam
 Popular routine of Sufi Sunni families in Malabar
 Sing in traditional tune made up of both Arabic and Malayalam
 Part of their belief
 Oppana:major folk art performed by Malabar Muslims
 Group dance performed by women normally but sometimes men
also take part
 Popular in the Muslim houses of Malappuram, Kozhikode,and Kannur
 Mostly performed in the wedding nights at bride’s house
 10-15 participants,bride sit at the centre
 Women around bride will dance by clapping their hands according
to the song they sing
 Vattappattu: similar kind of art form like Oppana
 Mostly performed by men
 Mainly performed when the groom is nearing to bride’s place
 Men who are following the groom by walking will sing the songs
until they rich at bride’s place
 And also after bride and groom sit together,they perform this.
 Other folk arts:Pattambi(famous for annual Pattambi Nercha
festival,held in honor of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal,a
revered Muslim saint)
 Kavadiyattam ceremony, performed during the annual Pooram
festival in Ongallur
 Perumkaliyattam, traditional ritualistic dance performed by men,
believed to be a form of worship to the goddess Kali.
 Food:rice and seafood,Thalassery biryani,Pathiri and
Porotta,Mappila cuisine(Mappila biryani, chicken
curry,bonda,cutlets and Pathiri are prominent in this cuisine).
 Dress Codes:
 Mundu-traditional lower garment for men,made of white cotton
fabric
 Settu Mundu-traditional attire for women in Malabar.consists of
blouse or choli,worn on upper body,and a two piece skirt like
garment.
 Kasavu Saree-traditional hand woven saree with golden
border,worn by women during special occasions like
weddings,festivals and cultural events.Saree is off white in
colour.
 Muttani and Chatta:Muttani is a traditional head gear worn by
men in Malabar.It is a rectangular piece of cloth folded and
tied around the head.Chatta is a traditional long coat worn by
men, usually white or off white and has a loose fitting.
 Jewellery: essential part of Malabar dress culture
 Women wear necklaces, earrings, bangles,anklets and
waistbands
 Traditional gold jewellery include Kasu Mala(coin necklace)
and Nagapadam(serpent shaped pendant)
Conclusion
 Folk cultures of Upper Assam and North Kerala exhibit a rich
tapestry of traditions ,customs,and artistic expressions that
reflect the unique heritage and diversity of these regions.
 Both regions have distinct folk music,dance forms,folklore and
crafts that have been passed down through generations
 It provide valuable insights into the history, beliefs and the
way of life of the local people,serving as a source of pride and
identity
 These cultural traditions deserve preservation and recognition
as they contribute to the cultural mosaic of India and serve as
a reminder of the vibrant and dynamic nature of folk cultures.
References

 Kakati,B.,(1962),Assamese:Its Formation and Development, Lawyers Books

Stalk, Guwahati,Assam
 L.Gogoi,(2001)Asomia Lok-Sahityar Ruprekha,Banalata, Dibrugarh,Assam
 https://culturalaffairs.assam.gov.in
 https://www.indianetzone.com/4/the_culture_assam.htm
 https://www.keralatourism.org/malabar/Oppana/6
 https://www.keralatourism.org/bekal/aravana-muttu-arabana-muttu.php
 https://islamonweb.net/ml/28-May-2017-380