Hasong Puja: A Traditional Agricultural Festival of the Rabha Community
The Rabha community is one of Assam’s vibrant indigenous groups, enriched with a distinct language, culture, and traditions. Predominantly an agrarian society, the Rabha people celebrate several festivals that are deeply intertwined with agriculture. One of the most significant among them is Hasong Puja.
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The Cultural and Geographical Significance
The Rabha people are primarily concentrated in the lower Assam districts such as Goalpara, Kamrup, Udalguri, and Kokrajhar, as well as in the Garo Hills. Hasong Puja is a traditional festival observed to ensure a bountiful harvest and protect crops from natural calamities.
When and Why is Hasong Puja Celebrated?
Hasong Puja is performed every year in the month of Jeth (May-June), just before sowing seeds in the fields. It is believed that this ritual invokes divine blessings to ensure a prosperous yield and safeguard crops from unforeseen disasters.
The Deities Worshipped
During the Hasong Puja, seven deities are worshipped, each symbolizing an aspect of agricultural prosperity and well-being. These deities include:
Darmang
Baikho
Fedar
Burha Baija
Manigram-Banigram
Baro Jan Darkhi
Chari
Rituals and Traditions
Animal Sacrifice: As a mark of devotion, pigs and chickens are sacrificed as offerings to the deities.
Preparation of Fokchak: A special dish called Fokchak is prepared and distributed among the villagers as sacred offerings.
Community Participation: The ritual is performed by village priests (pujaris), and the entire village actively takes part in the puja, making it a collective spiritual event.
A Unique Ritualistic Game
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hasong Puja is a traditional duhasohik (friendly contest) played after the rituals. Villagers block the path of the pujaris, preventing them from returning home. To pass through, the priests must:
Sing a traditional folk song
Strike a bamboo tube against their heads as a show of strength
Preserving the Tradition
Hasong Puja has been celebrated for generations, especially by Rabha communities that have historically resided in regions like Karimganj. It is not just a religious event but also a festival that reflects the deep-rooted bond between the Rabha people and their agricultural way of life.
Conclusion
Hasong Puja is a beautiful representation of the Rabha community's connection with nature, faith, and tradition. As modernization continues, it is crucial to preserve such indigenous festivals that keep Assam’s cultural heritage alive.
By celebrating and documenting these rituals, we can ensure that future generations remain aware of and appreciate the richness of Rabha traditions. Hasong Puja is not just a festival; it is a testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature in an agricultural society.
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